When Adolescents Can't Read: Methods and Materials That Work (From Reading Research to Practice, V. 1) (Paperback)

~ Mary Beth Curtis (Author) "When most people think of Boys Town, they think of Mickey Rooney or Spencer Tracy, or maybe even the phrase, "He ain't heavy, Father ....." (more)
Key Phrases: severe reading problems, highest grade level, vocabulary instruction, Boys Town, Reading Center, Gary Paulsen (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The reading field expects that the reading of children who lag behind during the first few grades can significantly improve with good instruction. Similar confidence in treating the reading difficulties of adolescents has not been common. The general consensus has been that, even when treated, the poor reading of adolescents does not improve appreciably.

In this book, the authors present a remedial program for adolescents who are behind in reading as much as six grade levels. With this program, students make impressive gains of about two years for every year of instruction, bringing most of them up to grade level. The program, based on research and practice in reading and reading disabilities does not require elaborate teacher training. Developed at Boys Town Reading Center and replicated in public schools, the program has great promise for poorly reading adolescents and adults.

Product Details

• Paperback: 59 pages
• Publisher: Brookline Books/Lumen Editions (June 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571290699
• ISBN-13: 978-1571290694
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #296,167 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not detailed, but still a gem nevertheless, February 7, 2005

By	James A (Singapore) - See all my reviews

Based on Jeanne Chall's stages of reading development, this program is designed to help adolescents overcome their reading deficits. Diagnostic Assessments of Reading is used for assessment. The entire program is broken down into four courses which target the student's word identification, vocabulary, comprehension, and study skills.

One is convinced of the program's efficacy. However, when everything about the program is outlined in 54 pages, one becomes aware that it is practically a show-and-tell without the show. In other words, the book tells you what is being done without showing you how it is being done. Not a program that is easily replicable, to say the least, but still worth emulating, if one has the knowledge and resources--and time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad..can't go wrong with Jeanne Chall, December 12, 2006

By	Catherine Jean Rose "Aye for Detail" (England 1097) - See all my reviews

I've said it once, I'll say it again...Jeanne Chall is to the field of reading what Frankl LLoyd Wright was to architecture. These authors were clever to attach her name to the text. Well written for everyday teachers and/or reading specialists. I also recommend as a supplement, Michael PRessley's Balanced Instruction.

5.0 out of 5 stars When Adolescents Can't Raed: Methods and Materials that work, September 14, 2008

By	Ligia M. Fetzer - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It came on time and in the condition indicated. I am a working mon and going to graduate school so I don't have time to go shopping for books. Being able to do it on line saves me time and I have been pleased so far with the products.