This response was constructed based on the author's experience as a language program coordinator and her expertise in second language (L2) reading development. Because "transcultural competence," as defined in the MLA Report (2007), shares much of its underlying capacities with "reading ability," in principle, reading instruction could play a…

The ability to read is vital. It paves the way to success in school, which can build self-confidence. It is power, key to personal growth. Through reading, we generate learning power that helps us know ourselves better and others as well. It also helps us understand past, present and future more clearly. So it is necessary for the teachers to find…

The author writes about the importance and timeliness of systematic changes in the spelling of English and considers the wide range of learning needs of language users as well as the traditional assumptions that account for the resistance to spelling change. (Author/CT)

Defines the set of characteristics known as cognitive style, suggests how these traits possibly influence reading behavior, and cites some of their ramifications for classroom reading instruction. (FL)

Argues that differences in instruction influence differences in students' reading abilities as much as do variations in individual learning styles or aptitudes. Suggests ideas for enhancing instruction of poor readers. (RH)

Presents the educational rationale for differentiated reading programs for gifted students in reading. Describes gifted readers, delineates general features of differentiated programs, and presents specifically recommended models of reading programs for the gifted. (RS)

Provides a humorous look at remedial reading strategies by proposing a method of upside-down reading for remedial reading teachers to use with poor readers. (MG)

Early reading instruction is important for all children, but especially for the disadvantaged, because the decision not to expose them to reading at an early age may result in an unrecoverable loss of intellectual potential. Reading readiness as an approach may exile children from literacy permanently because it is an abstract and alien process…

Reviews recent research on metacognition and presents some implications for its use in the classroom. (FL)

The teaching of reading has come to be regarded as one of the highest priority areas in modern education because schools have been failing to teach reading effectively to large numbers of students who progress to secondary school without having achieved a working competency in this basic skill. Much of the burden of reading instruction has fallen…

Argues that a conventional "back-to-basics" classroom structure (with emphasis on drill, recitation, and ability grouping; a narrow view of curriculum; and reliance on comparative marking and grading as the sole method of evaluation) will reinforce racist beliefs about intellectual incompetence of minority children. (RH)

The article discusses the relationship between math skills and reading ability as it relates to the learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, or mentally handicapped student. The author explains that many math books require reading at a level beyond the ability of many special needs students. (PHR)

Describes three learner assessment strategies and their possible effects on text design strategies for distance education materials. Prior knowledge, reading ability and text readability, and learning styles are examined; learner characteristics and potential instructional strategies are discussed; and the relationship of learning styles to…

Reviews reasons why many teachers are moving away from the basal approach to teaching reading. Describes literature-based instruction, and suggests the adjustments that teachers and students will need to make. Describes two plans for literature + basal partnerships as an intermediate step between the basal and a totally literature-based approach.…

Early reading for deaf and hearing-impaired children using the natural reading method inspired by Doman is advocated. The Doman method is described. What educational research on deaf and hearing-impaired children says concerning the process of reading acquisition is discussed. (RM)