Discusses the Xerox/Kurzweil Personal Reader which is an advanced optical scanner that reads a greater range of typeset or typewritten text than its predecessors, and converts it into highly naturalistic speech. (MG)

Background: The Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (NARA) (Neale, 1997) is widely used in education and research. It provides measures of reading accuracy (decoding) and comprehension, which are frequently interpreted separately. Aims: Three studies were conducted to investigate the degree to which the NARA measures could be separated. Samples:…

This article details a study which predicted that across a wide range of print sizes dyslexic reading would follow the same curve shape as skilled reading, with constant reading rates across large print sizes and a sharp decline in reading rates below a critical print size. It also predicted that dyslexic readers would require larger critical…

Discusses the dependency relation between oral language and reading in bilingual children. Based on a review of literature, proposes a model of monolingual versus bilingual reading and presents the results of an experiment designed to test the model on Chinese speaking students. (Author/GC)

Reviews recent theoretical advances in understanding orthographic codes and their relationship to phonological codes in reading acquisition. Discusses different ways in which orthographic skills have been conceptualized. Explores methodological issues in measuring orthographic skills. Stresses importance of multiple orthographic and oral language…

This article reports some cautions to consider when too much emphasis is placed on phonic instruction, especially with adolescent and adult learners. The importance of developing automaticity in word identification and fluency in reading rate is discussed. Six specific procedures designed to improve reading fluency are outlined. (Author/CT)

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…

This report was prepared to assist the United States Army in evaluating the usefulness of readability formulas in identifying material that will be comprehended by readers at a given reading skill level. Existing readability methods and research findings were reviewed against three major criterion questions and the findings are discussed. The…

This study attempted to identify elements accounting for reading proficiency among poor Black children. The expectation that teacher's style was important was not supported. Important elements seemed to be early reading, family encouragement, teachers' positive expectations, and placement with other good students. (CJM)

Presents a study of United States History textbooks that identifies possible shortcomings of several readability formulas as tools in determining the appropriateness of reading materials. Suggests additional factors to consider when selecting textbooks and techniques to help students understand reading materials. (AEM)

Deaf children come from all races, classes, and backgrounds, but as a group they have a hard time learning to read and write. The more hearing a child has, the better the child performs on tests of reading ability. Parents who can communicate well with their deaf children help them to perform well at school, but beyond "good"…