Reading Programs
Choosing A Reading Program and
Instructional Materials Based on
SBRR
(Scientifically Based Reading
Research) 1
Program Musts
Over-all reading program, consisting of
Instructional assessments, strategies, &
programs.
Instructional materials, access to printed
materials.
Instructional leadership.
Professional development & technical
assistance.
Evaluation.
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Instructional Program
The core or primary instructional tool that
teachers use to teach children to read.
Serves as the primary reading program for
the school.
Expectation is that all teachers within and
between the grades will use the core
program.
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Instructional Materials
Includes supplemental and intervention
materials.
Includes additional materials to expand
the use beyond the classroom (books to
take home, library books).
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Historical Background: 1980’s
In the 1980’s, comprehensive basal reading
programs were available in almost every
elementary classroom.
Chall and Squire noted that these programs
were used in more than 95% of school districts.
Chall, J & Squire, J. (1991). The publishing industry and textbooks. In R. Barr, M. Kamil, P. Mosenthal, & P.D. Pearson
(Eds.), Handbook of Reading Research, Vol. 2, (pp. 120-146). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum.
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Comprehensive Basal Reading
Programs
Program Features:
Commercially-developed.
Teacher-directed lessons.
Small group instruction.
Skills instruction.
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Comprehensive Basal Reading
Programs
Program Components:
Teacher manuals.
Student readers.
Student workbooks.
Assessment packages.
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Comprehensive Basal Reading
Programs
Many of the comprehensive basal reading
programs of the 1980’s did not include
features that current research tells us are
important.
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Historical Background: 1990’s
A Competing Theory:
“Individuals become literate not from
the formal instruction they receive,
but from what they read and write
about and who they read and write
with.”
Smith, F. (1989). Overselling literacy. Phi Delta Kappan, 70(5), 353-359.
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Historical Background: 1990’s
READING FAILURE
Basal Reading Literature-based
Programs Instruction
FOR MANY STUDENTS
1980 1990
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Literature-based Instruction
Literature-based instruction is
characterized by the use of authentic,
engaging literature with limited systematic
instruction, especially related to word
reading.
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Literature-based Instruction
Program Features:
Teacher- or commercially-developed.
Student-initiated activities.
Whole class instruction.
Mini-phonics lessons.
Emphasis on context and picture clues.
Emphasis on silent reading.
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Literature-based Instruction
Program Features (continued):
Leveled books.
Guided reading and writing.
Shared reading and writing.
Interactive reading and writing.
Uninterrupted reading and writing.
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Literature-based Instruction
Program Components:
Big books, trade books.
Journals.
Portfolio assessment.
Independent reading centers.
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Scientifically Based Perspective:
2002
Scientifically Based
Reading Programs
Basal Reading Literature-based
Programs Instruction
1980 1990 2002
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What is SBRR?
Scientifically based reading research is
research that applies rigorous, systematic,
and objective procedures to obtain valid
knowledge relevant to reading
development, reading instruction, and
reading difficulties.
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Characteristics of a Scientifically
Based Reading Program
Includes instructional content based on
the five essential components of reading
instruction integrated into a coherent
instructional design.
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Instructional Content
Core components of scientifically
based programs:
Phonemic Awareness.
Phonics.
Fluency.
Vocabulary.
Comprehension.
21
Instructional Design
Features of well-designed programs:
Systematic, explicit instructional strategies
Direct, straightforward, clear instruction in the 5
components
Address students’ specific strengths/weaknesses.
Coordinated instructional sequences
Progressing from easier to more difficult concepts.
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Instructional Design
Ample practice opportunities
Aligned student materials/assessments
Assuring that selections students read conform to
what they have been taught.
Assuring that assessments truly measure what has
been learned.
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Instructional Design
Allocation of time
A protected, uninterrupted block of time for reading
instruction of more than 90 minutes per day.
Alignment with District Learning
Standards/Performance Descriptors
Expectations are clear, as are strategies for
monitoring progress toward meeting standards.
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Instructional Design
Provides the basis for instruction and
connects meaningfully to supplemental
materials.
In-class grouping strategies are in use,
including small group instruction as
appropriate to meet student needs.
Student placement in groups is flexible.
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Instructional Design
Active student engagement
In a variety of reading-based activities.
Connected to the 5 essential components of reading.
Overall, clearly articulated academic goals.
Effective classroom management and high
levels of time on task are also evident.
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Reading Program Evaluation
If the present reading program in a district
is not successful with a large number of
students, that district needs to consider
either:
Selecting a new comprehensive reading
program, or
Modifying its existing program.
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Reading Programs
Reading programs work best when
implementation of the reading program is
linked to:
Effective instruction.
Assessment.
Professional development.
Instructional leadership.
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Reading Programs
Effective Instruction:
The reading program should provide
explicit directions to teachers about how
best to teach reading according to
scientifically based research.
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Reading Programs
Assessment:
Districts should help teachers
implement ongoing and frequent
monitoring of student progress in the
reading program to ensure student
success.
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Reading Programs
Professional Development:
Reading programs contain numerous
activities.
Professional Development should help
teachers choose activities essential for
effective reading instruction.
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Reading Programs
Instructional Leadership:
District leadership should provide
coordination between the
implementation of the reading
program and support for teachers.
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Reading Programs
LEADERSHIP
EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL
INSTRUCTION ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENT
SCIENTIFICALLY BASED
READING PROGRAMS
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Useful Web Sites
www.nationalreadingpanel.org
www.nichd.nih.gov
Reading.uoregon.edu
www.nifl.gov/nifl/pfr.html
www.nifl.gov/partnershipfor
reading/questions/questions_about.html
(No space between “for” and “reading”)
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