Describes factors that cause some students to have low reading achievement & others to have high reading achievement, and discusses what educators can do to increase reading achievement. For reading researchers & grad students in reading research.

This book describes all of the important factors that cause some students to have low reading achievement and others to have high reading achievement. It concentrates on the main factors that influence how much a student gains in reading achievement during a year of school, or a calendar year. An attempt is made to answer the following questions: what can educators do to increase reading achievement, and what is beyond their influence? The author is directly concerned with achievement associated with normal or typical reading. The focus of the book is on things teachers can do during an entire school year that are likely to improve the reading level and reading rate of students, which in turn, will increase their reading achievement. This effort to specify the most important causes of high and low reading achievement represents an integration of two disciplines of scientific psychology--experimental psychology and psychometrics. A glossary at the end of the book contains definitions of terms and concepts. Helpful appendices explain rauding theory, the three laws of rauding theory, and the equations that can be used to predict the accuracy of reading comprehension, provide conversions among units of rauding rate, and list the numbered equations presented in the book.

This second edition enhances the "five big ideas" for raising reading achievement with seven cognitive strategies and more than twenty "teaching for learning" tips for daily instruction.

Proven ideas from research for parents.

The author begins by explaining why most students can't read as well as they should. She shows you changes you can make right away to start raising your students' reading levels. McEwan summarizes the debate between phonics and whole language advocates and helps you understand how a balanced approach can work for your students. McEwan offers the kind of practical guidance you need to start a productive reading improvement program in your school. You'll discover the best ways to get buy-in from your teachers and how you can build their enthusiasm and continual support. You'll learn methods for involving your students' families, along with the greater community, as you begin to work toward your crucial shared goal of boosting students' reading levels.