In This Issue . . .

• Effective Research Based Instruction
• Reading Programs & Assessments
• Reports on Reading
• Smart Kids: Youth Achievement Award

Circulation: 74,819
ISSN: 1538-320

Many readers responded to last week's newsletter about methodology in a child's IEP and a parent's concern that schools are using an "eclectic approach" to instruction. Some schools are retaining children after using Reading Recovery and some classroom based whole language instruction, instead of a more effective methodology.

Reading Recovery is not effective for young children with reading disorders. Reader's ask: "Where can I find a list of effective research-based reading interventions?"

In this issue of the Special Ed Advocate you'll find information on reading programs and assessments intended to help parents, teachers, and district personnel choose materials that can be used by skilled teachers to provide effective reading instruction.

Please don't hesitate to forward this issue to other friends, families, or colleagues.

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Effective Research Based Instruction

NCLB requires schools to use federal funds on research based instruction -- and to test children with screening and diagnostic reading assessments to plan and monitor their progress.

As a result, parents, teachers, and administrators are searching for reliable information about reading programs that have research that supports their effectiveness.

Research Based Reading Programs and Assessments

Where can you find information about reading programs that have research that supports their effectiveness? Would you like to find out whether your child's school is using a reading program that has solid research that supports its use.

Read Where Can I Find Research Based Reading Programs & Assessments to learn about reading programs that have research to support their use and the important role of assessments. This article includes a list of resources.

Reports on Reading Programs

The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) reviews reading curricula and materials and publishes reports on reading programs on its website. These reports provide information on the extent to which their content, organization, and instructional strategies are consistent with scientifically based research in reading.

You will find out about:

• types of programs
• reading components used
• grade(s) reviewed
• required professional development
• how to use the reports

The No Child Left Behind Act includes specific requirements for screening and diagnostic reading assessments. To find out more about these assessments, go to Where Can I Find Research Based Reading Programs & Assessments

ISO Smart Kids with LD for Youth Achievement Award

Michael Sullivan received the 2009 Smart Kids with LD Youth Achievement Award "for his accomplishments in setting up a program at Nassau Coliseum redistributing unused food, while also becoming an Intel Science Contest semifinalist, Coca Cola Foundation Scholarship winner, and more... "

Nominations are open for the Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Youth Achievement Award. This year’s $1,000 award will be given to a student with learning disabilities or ADHD who has demonstrated initiative, talent and determination that resulted in a notable accomplishment in any field. Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.

Deadline! Applications must be submitted by December 31, 2009.

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