The reading performance standard descriptors in this document support the sections of the English/Language Arts Content Standards adopted by the Alaska State Board of Education. It begins with listing competencies associated with being a competent and thoughtful reader; thinking logically and reflectively; and understanding and respecting the…

Study conducted to determine whether Black English speakers are likely to encounter problems in reading standard English. Results indicate no relationship between the use of Black English and subjects' grade level or reading performance. (Author/JLF)

In three experiments on the effects of word imagery, length, and frequency on reading difficulty, high-frequency words were found to be easier to read for both good and poor readers. High-imagery words were easier to read for poor readers only. Word length had little effect on reading difficulty for either group. (Author/MV)

Reviews recent theoretical advances in understanding orthographic codes and their relationship to phonological codes in reading acquisition. Discusses different ways in which orthographic skills have been conceptualized. Explores methodological issues in measuring orthographic skills. Stresses importance of multiple orthographic and oral language…

This study identified distinguished children's books read by students attending two elementary schools in Honolulu, Hawaii, and analyzed the effect of reading ability on children's choice of reading material. Average reading scores on the Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) were above the norm for students attending one school and at or below the norm…

Reports on a study to determine differences in measured self-concept among college freshmen grouped by demonstrated differences in reading ability, by sex, and by enrollment in a reading skills program. (RB)

Presents the results of a research study which was designed to determine gains or losses in reading proficiency during summer vacation, investigate the characteristics of those students whose proficiency increases or decreases, and aid in planning summer reading programs which maximize gains and minimize losses. (RB)

A study was conducted to examine the reading levels of United States Air Force civilian employees according to occupational groupings and grade structure. Approximately 1,050 Air Force civilian subjects were tested on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test or the California Reading Test. Subjects were selected from eight Air Force bases representing the…

In this study, the effect of a passage organizer (topic sentence) on the ability to identify main ideas was tested. The second purpose of this study was to determine whether main idea comprehension is affected by the type of main idea question asked. Thirty third- and thirty fourth-grade children selected on a random basis from a semi-rural…

The relationship between two dummy variables representing school effect and five self-concept factors were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of these variables in predicting the reading vocabulary of 432 boys and 424 girls in grades three through six. Also, an effort was made to determine if the percentage of criterion variance accounted…

Research on the use of underlining or typographical cueing to improve both immediate and delayed recall of prose material by high school students is described and analyzed. Student underlining (with and without prior underlining instruction) instructor underlining, and noncued reading of a study-type material were examined, along with interactions…

The relationship between attention and reading achievement in first graders was investigated for 48 boys and 33 girls in five first-grade classrooms of the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District in New Jersey. The statistical analysis provided separate data for boys and girls in regard to the relationship between reading achievement and…

This paper explores and discusses the concept of reading comprehension from two major perspectives. One perspective is based on the theory that reading comprehension constitutes a pattern of skills. The other perspective is based on a psycholinguistic view of reading: reading as a language process. Strategies for gaining comprehension during…