A practicum was developed which implemented an alternative to using a standard reading textbook, by using the newspaper as a learning tool to supplement the existing reading program over a 12-week period in a first grade class. The program centered around a collection of techniques and strategies used to motivate and increase young children's…

Based on the experiences of using computer-assisted reading instruction in middle schools, this pamphlet proceeds from the conviction that the use of a computer helps middle school students improve their reading. Following an introduction, the booklet is in seven sections: (1) Why Use Computers in Middle School Reading? (2) Software--The Heart of…

Based on recent reading research, this secondary school developmental reading curriculum guide presents a reading program to help developmental students acquire strategies to begin independent reading of a variety of print materials and for a range of purposes. The introductory section of the guide presents a rationale and a declaration of…

After an informal study of 589 college freshmen enrolled in reading courses at Bishop State Junior College (Alabama) revealed that most students read out-of-class assignments only sometimes because of the degree of difficulty of the reading tasks, a series of directed and structured activities was developed to promote reading comprehension. The…

Evaluating the effectiveness of the Reading Recovery program pioneered in New Zealand by Marie Clay (daily supplemental lessons, for students with reading difficulties, which develop a strategy-oriented, self-improving reading system), a study examined the success of the program in an Old Order Amish population of first-grade students from Ohio.…

This study explores the changing role of the book in the future. The report draws on interviews with authors, publishers, booksellers, computer experts, librarians, scientists, educators, and scholars and on the experience of the Library of Congress staff. The first part, "The Culture of the Book: Today and Tomorrow," includes sections…

A cyclical plan for studying that takes into account information processing strategies and their effective management by students consists of (1) specifying study purposes, (2) previewing the materials, (3) proceeding through the task incrementally, and (4) connecting the content to be learned to other knowledge about the material studied. Setting…

A study compared two groups of failing first grade readers in the Reading Recovery program to determine what effect this type of instruction had over time on their reading patterns. Subjects, 60 failing first grade readers, 30 learning disabled (LD) children and 30 non-LD children, were randomly selected from urban, suburban, and rural elementary…

Reviews the literature on classroom reading instruction and elaborates the results of a series of studies that hypothesized that high-risk students, such as those typically found in low reading groups, would become more aware of how to reason during reading if their teachers explained the mental acts associated with strategic skill use. (NKA)

Describes the developmental college reading lab at the University of Georgia that is holistic and content-based, emphasizing individualized. direct instruction by qualified staff. (HOD)

This study was an action research project designed to improve students' reading comprehension. Students in the targeted kindergarten, second, and third grade classes exhibited a lack of reading comprehension, which interfered with their academic achievement. Data was collected by student and parent surveys, observations, and document analysis.…

This report describes a program for increasing academic growth through motivating students to read. The targeted population includes kindergarten, first, third, and high school special education students. The lack of motivation in reading was documented through data revealed by pre-surveys and post-surveys of students' interest in books. Analysis…

Based on the 1998 Arkansas English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks, this sample curriculum model for grade seven language arts is divided into sections focusing on writing; reading; and listening, speaking, and viewing. The writing section's stated goals are to help students employ a wide range of strategies as they write; use different…

Based on the 1998 Arkansas English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks, this sample curriculum model for grade eight language arts is divided into sections focusing on writing; reading; and listening, speaking, and viewing. The writing section's stated goals are to help students employ a wide range of strategies as they write; use different…

This report describes a program for improving reading comprehension skills in order to heighten understanding of materials covered in class and performance on activities and exams. The targeted population consisted of first-, fifth-, and eighth-grade students in a large, lower- to middle-class community located in central Illinois. The problems in…