Suggests that the application of the economists' paradigm, which is that an economic entity will behave in a positive way if he or she perceives the benefits of that behavior as outweighing the costs, can be applied to the problem of reading difficulties. (DF)

Examines the problems in initiating schoolwide reading reform. Argues for the formal establishment of a reading improvement team to negotiate and collaborate on long-range initiatives to improve reading instruction districtwide. Concludes that improving reading instruction is an ongoing, developmental, adult-learning process that requires a…

Responds to an article in the April 1998 issue of this journal. Shares evidence about the effectiveness of peer tutoring. Discusses literacy tutoring of K-3 emergent readers by volunteers. Explains why tutoring is not teaching, and offers a model for successful tutoring practices. (SR)

Replies to an article in the same issue of this journal, which responded to this author's earlier article. Elaborates two fundamental points of disagreement (the definition of tutoring and the characteristics of the children being tutored). (SR)

Noting that use of the reading-related components of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) by state education agencies has ranged from extensive to moderate to limited, this paper presents case studies of the ways in which states have used the NAEP models. The first half of the paper describes extensive use by Minnesota and…

Addressing the need for developmental or remedial reading and writing courses at the college level, this paper provides a broad perspective on the strengthening of such programs for students deficient in these skills. The paper first enumerates various reasons for developing reading-writing courses for pre-college students, then provides evidence…