The varied results of three beginning reading research studies are presented. Methods of teaching beginning reading, including i/t/a, whole word approach, and code emphasis, are briefly discussed. A research project that supports evidence against claims of a "single solution" to beginning reading is discussed, and a list of practical suggestions…

This booklet summarizes forty-two Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.)research reports, highlighting the major features of each study. With minor variation, usually resulting from an absence of complete information, each abstract indicates the number and type of students involved, their grade level, and how they were assigned to experimental or…

The Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) was designed by Sir James Pitman as a reading teaching medium from which immediate and efficient transition may be made to the alphabet of regular English. Questions and answers covered in this booklet provide information concerning its history, effectiveness, methods of use, teaching areas, and relationship…

Reviews the research on the initial teaching alphabet (i/t/a), the sources of conflict and misunderstanding involving its use, and its future in reading instruction. (FL)

A 2-YEAR STUDY OF THE ABILITY OF FIRST GRADERS TO LEARN TO READ USING THE "EARLY-TO-READ I/T/A/" SERIES WAS CONDUCTED. SIXTY-ONE FIRST GRADERS IN ROSE HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MUKILTEO, WASHINGTON, WERE RANDOMLY ASSIGNED TO AN EXPERIMENTAL GROUP USING THE I/T/A SERIES AND TO A CONTROL GROUP USING THE "GINN BASIC READERS." THREE…

Research on the Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) is viewed from two aspects--its limitations and how it can be improved. Thus far research has indicated that (1) transition from i.t.a. to traditional orthography is not the problem expected and (2) the children who are taught with i.t.a. read no better or worse than children taught with the…

This pamphlet deals with the principle of systematizing traditional orthography (TO) to produce initial teaching media and the application of that principle in Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.). Part 1 discusses: three causes of failure in literacy, the need for systematizing TO for the better learning of literacy, TO research with infants,…

From among the papers the author has presented at various conferences and the articles she has written for different journals, nine were selected to form this book. They are all concerned with beginning reading, and each forms a chapter of the book. Chapter one, "Approaches to Beginning Reading in Great Britain," discusses background…

A brief glance at traditional orthographies and the initial teaching alphabet points up the need for spelling reform. (RB)

THE NATURE, FUNCTIONS, AND TRANSITIONAL STAGE OF THE INITIAL TEACHING ALPHABET (I.T.A.) IN BEGINNING READING IN THE UNITED STATES ARE DISCUSSED. THE MEDIUM, I.T.A., WAS ORIGINALLY CONCEIVED AS A TRANSITIONAL ALPHABET, OF WHICH SPELLING IS AN INTEGRAL PART. THE MEDIUM IS DESIGNED TO RATIONALIZE THE DECODING PROCESS AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE A…

The following approaches to beginning reading were compared: (1) a basal reader program utilizing a whole word, carefully controlled vocabulary, and ability grouping procedures; (2) a phonics approach, with many different words, using essentially whole class procedures; (3) a combination whole word basal program supplemented with a phonics…

A case against using traditional orthography (T.O.) as a learning medium and in favor of using the Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) is presented. The following points were noted: (1) Most children are taught to read as we and our ancestors before us were by an alphabet which is at least 1,000 years old and took its form from the convenience and…

The advantages of teaching beginning reading with the use of the Initial Teaching Alphabet (i.t.a.) and some of the questions which are raised pertaining to its use are discussed. The difficulties which many children experience in learning to read with traditional orthography (T.O.) are pointed out. These include the variety of patterns for any…

The British experiment with the Initial Teaching Alphabet was in its third year at the time of this report on the effectiveness of i.t.a. as a beginning reading program. Two groups of students were compared; one that started learning to read with i.t.a. and one that started with t.o. (traditional orthography). Reading and spelling tests were…