To assess early literacy development in Renaissance classrooms nationwide, the 2000 Early Literacy Survey was mailed to a sample of 411 randomly selected Renaissance Model and Master pre-K-3 educators. This population of teachers was chosen for the study because they have systematically certified that their implementation of Reading Renaissance is…

This pamphlet describes the Texas Reading Initiative, a comprehensive plan aimed at improving reading instruction in Texas and begun after a challenge was issued by Governor George W. Bush that each and every child must learn to read. It lists the 8 key elements that were established to guide the initiative (including increasing awareness of…

This article presents summaries of research on 13 core understandings about learning to read, from "Building a Knowledge Base in Reading" (Jane Braunger and Jan Patricia Lewis). In the article, each core understanding is followed by activity ideas and strategies useful for tutors--these activities were created with one-on-one tutoring in…

A study of state educational policymaking revealed a number of instances where assertions have been made about what the "research says" in offering support for particular policies; however, in many of these instances the available research seems to have been distorted or exaggerated in order to better leverage particular policy…

This collection of articles commemorates the 30th anniversary of an influential study by Guy Bond and Robert Dykstrain reading research, known as the First-Grade Studies. These articles provide a view of the historical implications of the First-Grade Studies and how the Studies continue to provide valuable insights for those who seek answers about…

To answer the question of how phonemic awareness works to facilitate reading acquisition, this paper explores the fundamental connection between phonemic awareness, the alphabetic principle, and phonics in learning to read. The paper undertook a literature review to prove that phonemic awareness is an essential element in the path to literacy. It…

A recent report entitled "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children" (Snow, Burns, and Griffin, 1998) concludes that both phonics and whole language are important in teaching young children how to read. These two strategies--along with plenty of time for children to read, to be read to, and to write--are important components of…

Instruction for beginning readers is thought to be needed on several fronts, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. The National Reading Panel reviewed the findings of many experiments to determine whether there was sufficient scientific evidence to indicate the effectiveness of these forms of…

This paper aims to offer a "fresh look" and to provide some further insights on teaching basic language skills with literature and composition-based "whole" language arts programs (this could include the Core Knowledge Foundation's literature), and on the time and attention this combination deserves in primary-level classrooms.…

This paper provides a literary review and research-based techniques for teaching reading. The paper also examines the different philosophies of reading to ascertain beneficial commonalities. Based on the literature review, a manual was produced to support administrators, teachers, and parents in securing quality reading instruction. Appendix A…

By actively involving the child in hearing, saying, seeing, and writing the letters and sounds, this workbook develops a child's skill in recognizing the consonant sounds as well as the most important short and long vowels through a series of 52 lessons. It is appropriate for parents to use with their second- or third-grade children. By using this…

Noting that the development of effective intervention programs and instructional strategies for the struggling or underachieving reader continues to be a topic of concern, this Digest first reviews the current status of reading performance, based on the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress. It then reports on the importance of early…

This bibliography, developed by Project RIMES 2000 (Reading Instructional Methods of Efficacy with Students), lists approximately 225 materials for teaching early reading and spelling to students at risk for reading and spelling failure. Materials are presented alphabetically by title. Entries usually include a grade level indicator, a brief…

By actively involving the child in hearing, saying, seeing, and writing the letters and sounds, this workbook develops a child's skill in recognizing the alphabet and the initial sounds in words through a series of 78 lessons. It is appropriate for parents to use with their kindergarten and beginning first grade children. By using this learning…

By actively involving the child in hearing, saying, seeing, and writing the letters and sounds, this workbook develops a child's skill in recognizing consonant sounds as well as the most important short and long vowels through a series of 70 lessons. It is appropriate for parents to use with advanced first grade children. By using this learning…