"Policy Perspectives" presents visiting authors' own views and/or research on issues relevant to schools and communities nationwide. The idea that reading skill is largely a set of general-purpose maneuvers that can be applied to any and all texts is one of the main barriers to our children's overall low achievement in reading, argues…

Background knowledge is a critical relationship in reading comprehension. Includes a discussion on the classroom application of background knowledge in reading instruction. (MD)

A balanced approach to reading instruction favors cultivating reading as a strategic activity that requires intentionality, interest, and motivation on the part of the learner. Includes references. (MD)

The limitations of standardized tests of reading ability in young children are examined and authentic assessment alternatives, including multiple measures of student learning and the close interaction of assessment and teaching, are identified. Examples of authentic classroom assessments are detailed for emergent readers, beginning readers, and…

Discusses why social studies is suitable for multilevel textbook programs, and important features of viable multilevel textbook programs are examined. A sample unit of study for a high school U.S. history course using multilevel texts is provided. A list of easy-reading secondary grade social studies materials is also included. (RM)

Describes a reading program for teaching study strategies in depth that integrates reading development with content area teaching. Recommends that course content teachers be responsible for reading development and that these teachers be offered instruction in teaching the strategies appropriate for study reading. (SRT)

This discussion of assessing students' reading abilities focuses on the need for developing better tests and better interpretation of test scores. Criterion-referenced tests versus norm-referenced tests are described, highlighting the Degrees of Reading Power and Metropolitan Achievement Tests: Reading, and the need for assessing the reading…

What can parents do to guide pupils to achieve well in reading? Parents may look at and discuss picture books with their preschool and kindergarten age children, without pressing them to read. School or public libraries are good sources of free reading materials. Parents must take ample time to read for themselves at home, thus modelling enjoyment…

Intended for those who want to encourage children to read, this book deals with children learning to read at different stages and explores four assumptions: reading is an important thing to do; reading is learned by reading; what beginning readers read makes all the difference to their view of reading; and to be successful, teaching and learning…

Discussed is the importance of students being able to read and understand mathematics. The need for students to practice reading mathematics is emphasized. Discussions and homework are presented as examples of this needed practice. (KR)

In school districts throughout the United States, at-risk students are receiving remedial instruction in learning centers outside the classroom. Because this separation increases the likelihood that students will receive a fragmented education, learning center staff should provide remedial students with "curricular congruence," or content and…