Classroom reading instruction is the foundation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in Reading (MTSS-R) and the focus of many state reading reforms, initiatives, and policies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether comprehensive and coordinated Tier 1 core reading instruction was associated with higher early reading outcomes of students…

This randomized controlled trial in 55 low-performing schools across Florida compared 2 early literacy interventions--1 using stand-alone materials and 1 using materials embedded in the existing core reading/language arts program. A total of 3,447 students who were below the 30th percentile in vocabulary and reading-related skills participated in…

Let's Know! is a language-focused curriculum supplement developed through the Institute of Education Sciences' Reading for Understanding initiative aimed at supporting prekindergarten through grade 3 students' listening and reading comprehension. The current study reports results concerning the impacts of 2 instantiations of Let's Know! on…

In this study of 116 high-poverty schools, we explored teaching and coaching in grades K-3. We developed and validated observation protocols for both coaching and teaching. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were computed to identify and confirm factors that explained the protocol data. Three coaching factors were identified in both…

This article synthesizes results from 5 studies that used noncertified tutors to work with at-risk primary-grade readers. Each of the studies featured (1) twice-weekly tutoring lessons that included guided reading, word study, and reading for fluency; and (2) supervision of the tutoring by a knowledgeable reading teacher. Results from the 5…

Examines nine elements of language learning and reading: suddenness of onset; anxiety; blame laid on child for failure; appeal of rewards; surface features of oral and written language; social interaction; correction of errors; grasp of language concepts; amount of control and breaking apart of language. Makes recommendations for reading programs.…

The effects of daily training in visual memory and basal reader instruction were investigated. Training and tests on 295 first-graders indicated that visual memory training resulted in more growth in visual discrimination and higher levels of reading achievement than reading instruction alone. (SDH)

Based upon the theory of successive approximation (children learn language in a series of stages that come closer and closer to replicating adult language), the method of assisted reading instruction for children, ages four and above is explained in detail. Studies supporting this method are discussed. (ED)

Investigated school and classroom factors related to primary-grade reading achievement in schools with moderate to high numbers of students receiving subsidized lunch. Statistically significant factors included parent-school relationship, systematic assessment, small-group instruction, independent reading, student on-task behavior, strong home…

Issues examined were (1) the degree to which first-grade students engaged in within-group and across-group comparisions and were aware of group differences, and (2) the relationship between teacher praise and students' group levels and academic performances. (RH)

Twenty kindergarten classrooms were observed during two full days of integrated language instruction. Over 300 observed literacy tasks were analyzed by activity format, duration, cognitive complexity, organization, and participation structures. Results indicated that, although most of the activities were meaning based, over half of the observed…

This study compared peer-assisted reading instruction, small-group teacher-directed reading instruction, and typically undifferentiated instruction for struggling first-grade readers. Results suggested that both peer-assisted and small-group teacher-directed instruction enhanced reading performance of struggling readers more than typical,…

Used classroom observations and in-depth interviews to study first-grade teachers nominated as outstanding or typical in ability to help students develop literacy skills. Characteristics of teachers whose students demonstrated highest achievement included (1) coherent and thorough integration of skills with high-quality reading/writing…