This publication contains pa ers contributed to the fifth Perspectives of Reading conference of the International Reading Association which focused on the teaching of beginning reading. The following approaches are described and evaluated: (1) individualized reading, (2) basal reading, (3) linguistic approach, (4) phonics approach, (5) new alphabet approach, (6) language experience approach, and (7) early letter emphasis. Each approach is presented in terms of its rationale, its unique elements and points of emphasis, research supporting its effectiveness, research going on, and its future. References are listed for each approach. Differing views on the Carden method, words in color, programed reading, the phonovisual approach, phonetic keys to reading, and the initial teaching alphabet are presented under phonics and the new alphabet approach. Linguistic approaches for children with bilingual background and reading programs for the disadvantaged are discussed. A concluding article lists standards for evaluating reading programs. (NS)