A study evaluated the third year (2000-2001) of the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), which is designed to achieve 100% literacy by targeting reading performance of beginning reading and first-grade students, to expand the reading power for second- through twelfth-grade students and to intervene for struggling readers at all grade levels. Reading…

This report examines the efforts of Youth Education for Tomorrow (YET), a best-practices-based literacy program developed by a group of faith-based schools, churches, and community organizations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In each YET Center, a qualified teacher and volunteer assistants helped children improve as readers using proven…

This paper reports the early stages of a 3-year evaluation of the Early Intervention Programme in Scotland. The Early Intervention Programme is a high-profile government initiative which receives major government funding (60 million pounds sterling over 5 years) and is designed to improve standards of literacy and numeracy in the first 2 years of…

A study investigated whether Louisiana school districts and schools involved in the SPUR (Special Plan Upgrading Reading) program were implementing and maintaining essential elements of the project five years after termination of state funding and external support. Subjects were the 66 superintendents or their designee at the district level as…

The goal of this study was to describe and measure the effects of continuous, as-needed intervention in reading for 92 children in Grades 1-2, to determine whether the severity of reading disability (RD) could be significantly reduced in the catchment schools. The authors hoped that this kind of professional development would help to discriminate…

This manual presents information on designing and delivering a summer learning program whose goal is to provide an opportunity for students to experience academic success and positive self-esteem through reading fluency and comprehension. Sections of the manual address background and policies (on student and teacher selection, student promotion,…

The purpose of this study was to study recreational reading in third, fourth, and fifth grade urban students in a school district in Southeastern Virginia. The widely-used Accelerated Reader (AR) was the tool examined in the promotion of recreational reading. The major research questions determined if recreational reading, using Accelerated…

This set of 10 fact sheets (each 2 to 4 pages long) addresses aspects of Reading Recovery, a program that helps children to be proficient readers and writers by the end of the first grade. It discusses the basic facts of Reading Recovery; Reading Recovery for Spanish literacy; Reading Recovery lessons; Reading Recovery professional development;…

This study compares average SAT 9 reading scores of second through fifth grade English-only children in schools using "Open Court" (a program for teaching young children to read) with the scores of comparable schools using non-scripted programs in one very large urban school district in California. Findings show that schools using…

Integrated treatment methods of neuropsychological and cognitive origin were evaluated with 80 Dutch children (ages 6-15) with severe dyslexia. Treatment with flash cards, which exercised automatic letter-sound conversions, had a robust and slight effect in preclinical and clinical phases respectively, whereas hemisphere stimulation produced…

Reviews research on the effectiveness of parental involvement in improving elementary school-aged children's reading skills. Studies show that parents can enhance their children's reading ability, but parents desire training in specific strategies. Two feasible programs are presented, although more research is needed on various home reading…

Describes an early intervention reading program and discusses its implications for special education. Reviews current issues regarding definition, placement, and instruction for children with special reading needs. Efficacy data indicate impressive program results, with reductions in special education placements reported. Outlines program's…

Investigated the effects of the Chicago Child Parent Center and Expansion Program for six social competence outcomes up to two years postprogram. Duration of intervention was significantly and positively associated with reading and mathematics achievement, teacher ratings of school adjustment, parental involvement in school activities, grade…

Evaluates the effectiveness of Reading Recovery (RR) in 10 schools in New South Wales. Finds that the RR group was superior to control students after 15 weeks, but that no differences were found after 30 weeks. Finds that 12 months after discontinuation, 35% of the students directly benefitted from the program, 35% had not been…

Reports on the initial implementation of the Success For All (SFA) reading/school improvement program in inner city primary schools in Nottingham, England. Finds students made as much progress in one term in reading as they would normally make in one year; and their motivation, behavior, attitude to and skills in learning also increased. (RS)