This Spotlight will help readers investigate one state's plan to improve literacy with daily summer reading instruction; review how teachers can better support struggling older readers; gain expert insights into strategies for boosting reading proficiency; evaluate the merits of audiobooks for improving reading engagement; explore how short bursts…

The present study is a follow up study to a quantitative intervention study where two intervention programs, Reciprocal Teaching and Inference Training, were practiced. This study aims at capturing the potentials benefits and qualitative aspects of one of the programs evaluated, Reciprocal Teaching. More specifically, I have investigated the video…

Proposes that the illiteracy problem should be addressed by encouraging children's love of reading while they are developing reading skills. Analyzes why current programs are ineffective and recommends following the approach of the "Open Sesame Program" in New York City, which employs creative methods to teach English to Spanish-speaking…

This paper describes a recent study of the literacy practices in New Zealand and Australia. Through the voices of students, teachers, administrators, parents, state agency persons, and university faculty, the literacy programs "down under" are heard and seen. The paper also discusses programs for special needs children and briefly…

Defines direct instruction and examines six common myths about it. Clarifies when direct instruction is appropriate in the language arts and reading curriculum. (ARH)

Argues that sound reading programs require teachers to act on their understanding that reading is a meaning making process. Offers six interrelated principles about reading. (FL)

This publication on reading assessment and evaluation is an outgrowth of the "Assuring Competency in Reading Advisory Conference." It features abstracts, presentations, handouts, and activities from the conference. Following a short introduction, Section One, "Promising Practices", includes the following articles: "Tips…

This guide features reading strategies geared for elementary and secondary students as well as recommendations for reading programs supported by school library programs. Leading reading experts who were presenters at the 2004 American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Fall Forum contribute their thoughts on the current state of reading…

Much debate is concerned with providing quality reading instruction to students who experience difficulty. This bulletin explores the various approaches advocated for teaching reading instruction to at-risk students, discusses the research underpinnings of these approaches, and examines the practical implications of the models. Two approaches…

Discussion of the mission and roles of library media programs and teacher-librarians focuses on promoting books and reading, through which students become effective users of ideas. Highlights include reading proficiency; reading advocacy options; motivation approaches, including the ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model;…

This guide provides specific information on designing and implementing a reading program. The guide is divided into the following six parts: (1) "Planning for Instruction," including sections on setting ideal goals, establishing a "reality base," and organizing a work flow; (2) "Content Organization," including sections on the structure of…

Defining reading as a dynamic, interactive process involving the reader in constructing meaning, this guide for the elementary and secondary curriculum was designed to facilitate effective and creative decision making by teachers for (1) integrating reading and writing across the curriculum, (2) developing readers who can independently apply…

Compiled from papers presented at the annual Reading/Special Education Institute at Fordham University, this collection of essays addresses reading problems of special education students. The book is divided into three sections. The first section covers reading assessment and reading intervention; section 2 addresses the specific learner and the…

Describes the American Association of School Librarians' national reading research program, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the impact of library media specialists, collections, and reading promotion in public libraries, media centers, and classrooms on students' reading levels. Components of the programs are described, and proposed…

This evaluation summary synthesizes the results of the first year of the Wisconsin Rural Reading Improvement Project (WRRIP), a project aimed at helping small, rural schools improve reading instruction by teaching reading as thinking (also termed "strategic reading"). The means used is staff development: specifically, a leadership team…