Effective teachers are continuously striving to improve their instruction. Reading Recovery teachers have detailed and specific literacy training and expertise that can be of great value to classroom teachers, especially in the area of guided reading instruction. This article explores the ways in which key Reading Recovery strategies can be…

The purpose of this manuscript was to describe information about an animal-assisted therapy, specifically the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) program. In this manuscript I provide information about R.E.A.D. programs in general. Next, I share perspectives solicited from R.E.A.D. participants, specifically teachers, parents, students and…

Describes six Right to Read programs funded by Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title II grants.

Responds to an article ("On Balanced Reading") in the December 1998/January 1999 issue of this journal. Argues for a closer look and more evidence before committing to "balanced" models of literacy education. Discusses criticisms of Reading Recovery programs. (SR)

Describes 10 "literacy day" activities that one California elementary school has used successfully schoolwide, typically one such day per month, to make reading fun and purposeful, while developing a sense of community. Includes: spread-a-quilt day; teacher exchange day; turn off the TV; Dr. Seuss day; community readers; schoolwide…

Describes a reading program designed to help slow readers bridge the summer gap between the first and second grade. (RB)

Points out some recurring ideas about the use of children's literature in the elementary reading program based on a review of 25 years of "The Reading Teacher." (FL)

Replies to an article in this issue that responded to an earlier article ("On Balanced Reading") by this author. Argues that Welna's unbalanced coverage of research and critique is the very fuel that continues the Reading Wars. Argues that a study of past and present research can lead the profession to common ground. (SR)

Describes a reading program based on community-school cooperation. (RB)

Describes what reading coaches do (provide literacy enrichment without emphasizing the diagnostic and intervention aspects of reading), how this differs from reading tutors, and how reading coaches can help with literacy development in schools. Discusses activities for reading coaches, and benefits of a reading coach program. (SR)

Describes ways to evaluate and enhance students' self-esteem through the reading program. (RB)

Describes a cross age tutoring program which improves the reading skills of all students involved and makes the learning process more humanistic. (RB)

Describes how one elementary school developed and carried out the Million Minute Reading Incentive Program over the course of the 1996-97 school year to improve reading fluency in class and encourage students to read more at home. (SR)

Suggests guidelines for schools that are developing volunteer tutoring programs to help young children who are at risk for reading failure. Discusses the "America Reads Challenge," and what is known about volunteers. Discusses several components essential to the success of tutoring programs in reading. (SR)