Description of the Strategy

The acquisition of beginning reading skills is essential to success in both school and society. Unlike the ability to speak, however, the ability to read does not develop naturally. As a result, a substantial number of children experience difficulties learning to read in the absence of effective instruction. Therefore, the quality of instruction plays a critical role in determining whether children become successful readers.

A number of instructional principles have emerged from a large body of converging research on reading development as well as instruction and intervention for students experiencing reading difficulties. These principles optimize student learning and make the most effective and efficient use of limited instructional time. Effective beginning reading instruction is based on four principles: (1) ...