This study examined a combined reading curriculum (CRC) containing all the essential reading components of phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. The CRC combines a word study curriculum with a specifically designed supplemental reading curriculum to create a developmental, systematic, and comprehensive…

Teaching students how to read is one of the most important tasks in elementary schools. The majority of schools use published basal programs to teach students to read. Several published reviews have indicated that past editions of basal readers did not align with appropriate instruction for beginning level readers. In this study I reviewed five of…

Presents five basic decoding patterns which can be applied in a linguistic approach to teaching reading or spelling. (JM)

Discusses two philosophies of reading instruction--the measurably stated objective philosophy and the idea-centered reading curriculum philosophy. Suggests that, whatever philosophy is used to teach reading, teachers need to guide each student to achieve optimally in reading and that individual differences in reading achievement need adequate…

Compares the reading achievement of second graders who were taught with a direct instruction program to second graders who were taught with a basal reading program in three areas: vocabulary, comprehension, and language. Finds Direct Instruction was more successful than the basal reading program. (NH)

States that many American children have difficulty learning to read (44% read below grade level). Explains the viewpoint of the phonics group and what those involved with whole language believe. Calls for dispassionate inquiry into how to raise reading levels, instead of the battle of the two methodologies as exists now. (PA)

Notes the California's Reading Task Force's heavy emphasis on phonemic awareness (PA) evaluation and training. Argues that although evidence shows that phonemic awareness will emerge by simply reading, California's school libraries--ranked near last in the nation--would require a massive commitment to rise to the task. Argues (in an ironic tone)…

Investigates the effectiveness of the Char-L Intensive Phonics program within a six-week summer tutorial program for students with learning problems. Finds significant gains in reading for most students and improved word attack skills for all students completing academic tasks requiring reading. (KEH)

Describes the services in reading, evaluation, and counseling offered at the Lane Reading and Counseling Center, including preparation programs for standardized tests, remedial instruction, and enrichment programs. Emphasizes that reading is a skill and that skills can be learned. (RS)