What Really Matters for Struggling Readers: Designing Research-Based Programs (Paperback)

by Richard L. Allington (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

What Really Matters for Struggling Readers offers a clear blend of research and practice that teachers can use to develop better methods for helping children with reading difficulties.

• Includes clear, non-technical summaries of research on the subject of children as proficient readers.
• Research section on reading fluency that provides instructional models and methods for fostering fluency, including pause-prompt-praise, partner reading, taped read -alongs, impress method, choral reading, and fluency charting.
• Research section that studies the effects of enhancing access to appropriate books and offers suggestions for designing schools where all children have books that are appropriate.

In What Really Matters for Struggling Readers, nationally recognized scholar Dick Allington offers easy-to-understand interpretations of research that support three important principles: Children need to read a great deal to become proficient readers, offering summaries of research on the subject, the text shows how to monitor the amount of reading and create interventions that expand reading activity. Children need access to appropriate books, exploring the research on the subject, the text contains suggestions for designing schools where books are available and appropriate for all children. Children need to develop fluent reading to become proficient readers, reviewing the research on reading fluency, the text provides instructional models and methods for fostering fluency.

Richard L. Allington is the Fien Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He was a co-recipient of the Albert J. Harris Award from the International Reading Association for his "contributions to the better understanding of reading and learning disabilities". Dick is also a past president of the National Reading Conference and has been elected to membership in the Reading Hall of Fame.

From the Back Cover

What Really Matters for Struggling Readers offers a clear blend of research and practice that teachers can use to develop better methods for helping children with reading difficulties.

* Includes clear, non-technical summaries of research on the subject of children as proficient readers.
* Research section on reading fluency that provides instructional models and methods for fostering fluency, including pause-prompt-praise, partner reading, taped read -alongs, impress method, choral reading, and fluency charting.
* Research section that studies the effects of enhancing access to appropriate books and offers suggestions for designing schools where all children have books that are appropriate.
In What Really Matters for Struggling Readers, nationally recognized scholar Dick Allington offers easy-to-understand interpretations of research that support three important principles: Children need to read a great deal to become proficient readers, offering summaries of research on the subject, the text shows how to monitor the amount of reading and create interventions that expand reading activity. Children need access to appropriate books, exploring the research on the subject, the text contains suggestions for designing schools where books are available and appropriate for all children. Children need to develop fluent reading to become proficient readers, reviewing the research on reading fluency, the text provides instructional models and methods for fostering fluency.

Richard L. Allington is the Fien Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of Florida, Gainesville. He was a co-recipient of the Albert J. Harris Award from the International Reading Association for his "contributions to the better understanding of reading and learning disabilities". Dick is also a past president of the National Reading Conference and has been elected to membership in the Reading Hall of Fame.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (October 30, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321063961
• ISBN-13: 978-0321063960
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #289,048 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

161 of 172 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dick Gets it RIGHT!, November 13, 2000

By A Customer

This is a MUST READ for all reading teachers, administrators and teachers. Dick is not an "ivory tower" researcher, but one who is out in classrooms observing and talking with kids and teachers. This book is a simple guide to make EVERY school reading program successful - IF teachers will follow the advice offered. Kids learn to read by reading, so let them read. The book itself is an easy read. My copy is highlighted in 3 colors and looks like a rainbow with the wealth of information it offers. Go DO IT!

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for parents too, June 20, 2003

By	L. Zhou (Gainesville, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought the book in search of ways to help my 6 year old overcome apparent reading difficulties. This book is so well grounded on scientific findings rather than hearsays. Yet it also provides guidelines for tutoring struggling readers and pointers to various resources. After reading this book, I realized that my child had the typical word-by-word problem described in the book, most likely due to interrupting corrections to his pronunciation. This book taught me how essential it is to use books of the right level and the right way to tutor a struggling reader. I put what I learned into practice during a recent vocation and saw great improvement even just after one week. Now my son no longer feels frustrated when asked to read, rather he starts to enjoy reading. I really wish that my sons teacher had read this book, but I am glad I found it. This book really makes me in awe of the power of knowledge gained through serious scientific research. I recommend it wholeheartedly to parents and teachers alike.

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book every teacher should own, read and re-read, April 25, 2003

By A Customer

Richard Allington has done a masterful job of combining research in an easy to read and an understandable format. Not only WHAT he has to say is important, but (unlike other researchers that write so technically they're hard to read)HOW he says it is so down to earth and easy to read and understand. What he has to say in this book is so important for every teacher to read and implement in their classroom. I am a literacy consultant for our district, and most of the other consultants all own and love this book. This would be a great book for staff development, study groups, or any teacher that would like to improve their teaching.