The goals of this research are two-fold: (1) to survey the literature comparing the effectiveness (as measured by student achievement on state tests) of scripted language arts/reading programs in low-performing schools, and (2) to compare middle school teachers' attitudes (measured in questionnaires, interviews and surveys) on implementation and…

Papers delivered at a four-day study session on the English Language Arts Curriculum, K-12, in Connecticut schools are presented in this bulletin. The focus of the study was: (1) the current status of English and reading programs and recommendations for their improvement, and (2) suggestions for the improvement of a preliminary draft of a new…

Describes a school-based reading/language program in terms of the need for change, community participation, policy development, content and organization, and evaluation. (FL)

Defines direct instruction and examines six common myths about it. Clarifies when direct instruction is appropriate in the language arts and reading curriculum. (ARH)

Recommends four resources (including basal materials) to use when designing reading-language arts curricula for classroom or school districts. (MG)

To examine the effects of traditional reading programs on children's attitudes toward reading and what influence children's literature might have on such attitudes, a study proposed a possible rationale for incorporating children's literature into the curriculum to provide a more balanced reading program for students. The study compiled 60…

This pilot descriptive study examined expressed perceptions of a diverse group of teachers who, in the 2002-2003 school year, piloted implementation of a new standards based supplemental program in reading/language arts, EduSTRANDS. Over 600 teachers in 153 schools using a supplemental, standards based reading/language arts program were surveyed…

The first in a series of program documents from the Mississippi State Department of Education, this document describes, in an overview, the purpose of the reading improvement program: to provide primary grade teachers with support--assistant teachers--that strengthens instructional processes, especially in reading, on a daily basis. The document…

When Boston, Massachusetts teachers objected to a reading subskills management curriculum adopted by the city, a new elementary school curriculum was developed that emphasized broad general objectives at each level and reading comprehension. Teacher input played an important role in the curriculum effort. (PP)

To determine specific objectives for language arts programs in Alberta schools, a study was conducted in which a comprehensive list of specific objectives was compiled for use in developing tests of reading and writing in grades three, six, nine, and twelve. Measurable objectives were ranked in terms of their importance to the total program, and…

Five factors should be considered in understanding the value of children's literature in the elementary school curriculum, as both an aesthetic and utilitarian experience. Children's literature is significant (1) as an information supplement in science, art, social studies, mathematics, and other curriculum subjects; (2) as a vital part of the…

Reviews the research that led to the movement toward literature based reading programs for children and describes the current status of the movement nationally. The discussion also addresses problems within the movement, including program evaluation; basalization of literature; cumbersome literature guides; acquisition difficulties; inadequate…

Attempting to increase reading engagement, a collaborative team implemented a year-long integration of reading/language arts and science instruction known as Concept-Oriented Reading Instruction (CORI). Compared to traditionally organized instruction, the CORI context increased strategy use, conceptual learning, and text comprehension more than…

Describes an adaptation of a television quiz show that was used as an introductory inservice session to help defuse potential teacher antagonism and resistance to a new reading method about to be implemented in a demonstration school. Includes questions used in the game. (FL)