This pamphlet describes the Texas Reading Initiative, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving reading instruction in Texas and begun after a challenge was issued by Governor George W. Bush that each and every child must learn to read. It lists the 8 key elements that were established to guide the initiative (including increasing awareness of…

This pamphlet describes 8 key elements established to guide the Texas Reading Initiative, whose goal is that all students will read on grade level or above by the end of grade 3. The elements discussed in the pamphlet are: (1) increase awareness of students' reading skill levels in kindergarten through grade 3; (2) promote reading programs as…

A pilot study evaluated the instructional effectiveness of "Collections, a Harcourt Reading/Language Arts" program. A total of 40 primary-grade teachers in 4 different school districts in Texas volunteered to participate. Teachers selected two themes to pilot during a 9- to 12-week period and received training in implementing the…

This paper states that the unequivocal goal that Governor George Bush has set for the state of Texas is that "all students should be able to read on grade level or higher by the end of third grade and continue to read on grade level or higher throughout their schooling." The paper explains that the governor identified eight key elements…

Examines an educational statute in Texas that requires all third graders to pass a reading test before promoting to fourth grade. Discusses negative implications for literacy instruction. Examines the notion of measurement-driven instruction and skills-based classrooms. Finds the improvement of students' reading performance in Texas via…

Containing four sections of materials for workshop presenters to teach reading fluency, this guide assists primary grade teachers in enhancing the Reading and Language Arts knowledge and skills of Texas students. Section 1, an introduction, defines the purpose of the guide and outlining six goals. Section 2, Professional Development, includes…

A study examined the experiences of students, teachers, and principals involved in the day-to-day teaching of early elementary reading in four of the 12 Texas "Spotlight Schools" (schools that emphasize early elementary reading and are useful in helping all children to read). Data were collected during four-day site visits to each…

Noting that some children struggle with learning to read, this 15-minute videotape describes the essential components of an Accelerated Reading program (which provides supplemental instruction for struggling readers in Texas) and reports results of a study examining the effectiveness of various Accelerated Reading instructional approaches. It…