Reading Difficulty: A Widespread Phenomenon
National longitudinal studies report that more than one in six young children (17.5%) will encounter a problem learning to read during their crucial first three years in school.
The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) reported results that indicate every school in this country has a number of children who are failing the task of learning to read.
Addressing the Reading Problem
Three leading beginning reading researchers in the United States identified
and reviewed hundreds of studies over the past 10 years on how children
learn to read. The results of their analysis reveal that teachers and parents
need to build a solid foundation for their students (especially those with
learning disabilities) to succeed in learning to read. The 10 prerequisite
skills that build this solid reading foundation are:
The Learning To Read/Reading To Learn Information Kit developed for the reading campaign contains five important documents very useful to teachers, parents, and research
Reading: The
First Chapter in Education
This document stresses how absolutely important reading is to learning.
It also affirms how difficult it is for children to learn to read without
developing phonemic awareness. Teaching/learning strategies and solutions
in the classroom are presented with emphasis placed on a balanced approach
to teaching reading.
Principles for Learning To Read: Essential Skills for Children with Learning Disabilities
By analyzing the ways in which students learn to read, researchers have identified the skills essential to the learning process. Identification of these skills will alert teachers and parents to ways in which they can help children learn to read more efficiently.
Tips for Teaching Reading to Children with Learning Disabilities:
These materials highlight reading strategies that will benefit all children and emphasize the skills children with learning disabilities must develop in order to become good readers. The information will equip educators with the strategies they need in order to avoid reading problems before they begin and to correct them if they exist.
Tips for Parents About How To Strengthen Reading Skills
These tip sheets for parents clearly and simply tell them how to help their children with learning disabilities appreciate books and learn to read them.
Resource Guide and Network:
To help identify additional sources and materials, the National Center to Improve the Tools of Educators has produced a list of partner organizations, their publications, and related activities. In addition, so schools and others can identify researchers who are experts in reading, Researchers as Resources on Reading, a list of names and addresses of experts who can provide technical assistance to schools trying to create an effective reading program is provided in the information kit.
For more information, try:
ERIC Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education
ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication