Discusses how students in a culturally diverse fourth grade class explored their own cultures and learned about other cultures, using quilts as a context. Notes that the students read books about quilts, conducted oral interviews of family members, wrote about their cultural traditions, and designed individual quilt squares. Concludes that the…

Examines the effect of computer assisted instruction (CAI) on the spelling performance of six poor spellers who also received special education services. Finds superior performance during the computer-assisted drill in spelling as well as improvement to average performance levels for non-handicapped, same-age peers in three of the subjects. (RS)

Investigates the importance of using student interviews in the development of Chapter 1 diagnostic reading profiles. Finds that the type of information most often recorded in the existing reading profiles was from standardized measures. Finds that teachers and students were able to state unique and pertinent information. (RS)

Investigates the use of a multi-step Test Item Post-Conference (TIPC) procedure with 30 English-as-a-second-language students. Notes that the procedure results in an "adjustment" of standardized multiple choice tests scores. Finds the procedure proved relatively efficient and the results were well-received by the participating ESL teachers.…

Describes a study in a fourth grade class which investigated students' reactions to the literacy program, providing the teacher with information regarding students' attitudes toward types of materials and specific strategies used. (SR)

Compares effects of two models of vocabulary instruction--an integrated graphic organizer/discussion model and a definition-only model--on the mathematical vocabulary use of fourth grade students. Finds, after two weeks of instruction, a larger number of mathematical concepts recorded by the group using the integrated model than the group using…

Compares fourth-graders' subtest scores on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT), the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), and the Metropolitan Achievement Test (MAT). Finds right-brain dominant students scored better on four SAT subtests, and left-brain dominant students scored better on four ITBS subtests and two MAT subtests. (NH)

Coordinates sociocultural perspectives of literacy with semiotic theories of literacy. Examines the semiotic nature of literacy activities in a fourth-grade classroom in which the students had computers on their desks and five multimedia workstations in their classroom with Internet access. Indicates that the children's literacy activities had…

Describes a study in which fourth-grade children documented their after-school activities with disposable cameras. Analyzes these photographs and develops six profiles of library users and non users among these students. Finds, rather than a direct causal relationship between library use and academic achievement, that the more salient indicator of…

Concludes that both average and poor readers are able to make inferences when reading materials at their instructional reading level. (FL)

Reveals that the reading skills of Black fourth-grade students improved after they had received training in listening. (FL)

Explores the validity of skill hierarchies in reading comprehension. Finds no differences in comprehension skills between subjects receiving or not receiving comprehension skills instruction. Argues for a unitary or holistic view of reading comprehension. Argues for increasing the time students spend reading self-selected materials. Suggests…

Examines the effects of a tactile and kinaesthetic teaching method on the spelling performance of a special education student. Finds improved accuracy in weekly tests but modest long-term retention when tracing target words with the index finger of the dominant hand. Finds overall improved scores when tracing was combined with dictation. (KEH)