This paper introduces the concept of "reading resilience": students' ability to read and interpret complex and demanding literary texts by drawing on advanced, engaged, critical reading skills. Reading resilience is a means for rethinking the place and pedagogies of close reading in the contemporary literary studies classroom. Our…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "The Nation's Report Card": Too Many High School Seniors Unprepared for College-Level Math and Reading; (2)…

In the present research, the psychometric models of Rasch and Guttman are used to illustrate contrasting yet complementary approaches to investigating reading skill hierarchies. The models share a general conclusion, but specific results from the Rasch model underscore its greater potential as a reading skills diagnostic technique. (Author/LMO)

This paper illustrates how the Kelly repertory grid and the Thomas focusing technique can be used to help teachers and learners become aware of learners' purposes for reading, and how these purposes can be used in a program for improving competencies in reading for learning. The grid elicitation and focusing techniques are briefly described. Four…

The problems stated for this investigation were as follows: (1) to determine if there is an increase in critical reading ability for students from grades thirteen to fourteen; (2) to determine if there is a difference in the critical reading ability of males and females in grades thirteen and fourteen; (3) to determine the relationship between…

Examines the theoretical underpinnings of the 1986 American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines for reading, covering an historical perspective, the role of background knowledge, the process/product distinction, text types, and hierarchical and interactive reading models. (CB)

A study investigated the reading skills of entering students at the Open University. Just over 2,000 of the 3,000 students (representing 10% of all students taking courses at the foundation level) completed questionnaires that were mailed to them. Subjects completed 3 cloze tests, graded in difficulty, and a vocabulary test. Results indicated that…

Notes that the same students who according to a reading test, were severly deficient in reading skills were mysteriously able to complete a complex research questionnaire, and showed academic success far beyond what the test predicted. (Author/AM)

Examines differences in reading habits of developmental college students with varying levels of reading proficiency. Finds that subjects spent an unusually low amount of time on academic reading and even less time on nonacademic reading. Finds no significant differences between high- and low-proficient readers with regard to amount of time spent…

This paper reviews literature in the past 60 years about the relationship between music experience and language reading. Results of the literature review fall into three categories: the first group of studies (group I) indicates that music experience benefits language reading due to six transfers of learning--prediction skill, whole-to-part…

Describes alternative assessment approaches that provide important information about students with reading difficulties. Criticizes the medical or diagnostic/prescriptive approach to diagnosis. Presents a four-step diagnostic process derived from the holistic/wellness model. (HB)

Explores reading strategies used by two groups of readers differentiated in terms of academic performance subsequent to their first year in law school. Finds that students in the top quartile used different strategies than students in the bottom quartile. Suggests that attention should be paid to literacy requirements and practices as students…

Noting that the use of a postal test for literacy measurement is an innovation, this paper describes the four reading tests used to measure the reading skills of a sample of students starting their studies in the Open University at the foundation course level. The paper also discusses reading skills and their assessment, followed by a rationale…

In an effort to evaluate comprehension skills with a "real world" task, students were asked to summarize and respond to an excerpt from a college freshman textbook. The written responses of a group of both high school students (n=100) and college students (n=51) were analyzed through a checklist developed to assess students'…

A study of the vocabulary and comprehension scores of juniors and seniors at Marygrove College was conducted during the winter term of 1983 in order to determine the reading levels needed for success in upper division courses. Because the research was designed to determine the reading levels needed for successful study, students on academic…