The notion that a set of restricted-generalized abilities underlies both reading and writing is explored in this essay. Following a definition of schooled language competence (SLC), the first section asserts that knowledge and problem solving are insufficient and nonlinguistic approaches to language competence. The second section focuses on…

Explanations for differences in reading proficiency should be constructed around an atlas of reading-related individual differences in cognition. Such an atlas should include well-documented "bottom-up", text-driven reading strategies and less thoroughly investigated "top-down", schema-driven reading strategies. Research…

Before an effective program can be developed to help the remedial writing student, instructors must dispel the myth that college students can read college level materials. Related to this assumption is the belief that those who cannot read in college cannot do so because of a lack of intelligence. Clearly what is important in understanding the…

Outlines the importance of principals' focusing their school's curriculum on the development of reading skills through ideas such as (a) faculty inservice and orientation programs, (b) organization of faculty reading planning teams, (c) allocation of resources, (d) supportive classroom visits, and (e) informal evaluation systems to ascertain…

Presents conceptual framework for classification of poor readers based on a sample of over 5,214 children between 9 and 10.7 years. The framework is based on the notion of low achievers (those whose reading attainment is low but who attain the expected level) and underachievers (those whose reading is poor but who ought to read at a higher level).…

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)

A principal suggests strategies that will help elementary social studies teachers provide students with the optimum educational experience. Discussed are assessment of information possessed by students, reading levels and material readability, potential biases or special interests, high interest projects, and motivational level. (RM)

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…

Maintains that continued over reliance on traditional skills-based assessment of reading abilities provides the whole-language teacher with little, if any, useful information for instructional planning. Suggests informal assessment procedures that focus on the language learner and provide a rich information source on which to base instructional…

This commentary on a paper by Diane Sawyer (EC 602 748) on relations between various language skills and the development of reading ability addresses potential limitations in the implementation of structural equation modeling. The commentary concludes that the data presented by Sawyer do not support the interpretation that reading comprehension…

Examines the areas of visual and physical efficiency that are important to reading and writing braille or large print and conditions and modifications that may be used to make the selected media effective for individuals who have both visual and physical impairments. (Author/DB)

Compares formal writing (analytical essays) and informal writing (short answer workbook-type exercises identifying main themes and ideas) as part of English-as-a-Second-Language reading education. Examines informal and formal writing assignments given to groups of students of comparable reading ability. Shows that formal writing did more to…

This book addresses the issue of living with dyslexia, illuminating the problems using first-person accounts and personal histories of child and adult dyslexics, even entire dyslexic families. Dubbed the "middle class disease" by some and a "specific learning disability" by others, dyslexia affects one in 25 persons. Although…

In practically all countries, the governing bodies seem to be conscious of the important role the ability to read well plays in all educational activities. But the tremendous demand for education has far outpaced the supply. Since World War II, many new self-governing countries have been established of which most are illiterate. Since democracy in…

Discusses the need for assessing and remediating three strategic-text behaviors: (1) recognition of text organizational patterns, (2) use of text lookbacks, and (3) the location of important text information. Develops a diagnostic rational using current research findings, and presents assessment procedures and instructional strategies based on a…