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| Reading Power in the Content Areas (RP). A staff development program that helps grades 6-14 content area teachers to increase student acquisition of knowledge through the use of acquired reading skills and minimize the gap between student reading abilities and reading requirements of printed instructional materials. |
Audience Approved for grades 6-14. This program has been implemented in upper elementary, middle school, and postsecondary classrooms in both vocational and academic programs.
Description Reading Power in the Content Areas (RP) is a staff development program designed to raise content teachers' consciousness regarding the reading demands of course material. The goals of the program are to: (1) assist content area teachers in analyzing print requirements and student abilities in relation to the teaching of reading within the teaching of content; (2) provide content area teachers with information and practice in the use of practical teaching techniques to meet the needs of the first objective; and (3) increase student reading comprehension and learning of content.
The program consists of interrelated components. The instructor assessment component provides tools by which participants can assess their own teaching styles, skill levels, and effectiveness. Student assessment trains teachers to use formal and informal tests and inventories to assess the reading abilities of their students. Materials assessment provides teachers with the knowledge and tools, both manually and by computer, to analyze the reading levels of printed instructional materials, to apply this knowledge when selecting texts, and to modify and improve use of the print materials to fit students' reading abilities. The instructional strategies component focuses on practical activities in vocabulary, comprehension/thinking skills, and study skills that teachers can incorporate into the total curriculum. The ongoing inservice component provides procedures to infuse the reading strategies acquired into the total instructional curriculum as well as follow-up and evaluation services.
The training provided by RP provides secondary instructors with skills to assist students meet three of our National Goals for Education. Goals 3, 4, and 6 receive impact when teachers are well-trained and can provide students with challenging content and appropriate instructional strategies. Goal 3 looks for students to leave grade 12 competent in all subject areas; Goal 6 seeks a literate populace able to participate fully in their community and compete in a global economy. Goal 4 provides for professional development to our nation's educators. Since reading is one of the main factors in determining literacy and the ability to perform at the highest levels in the classroom, this program is well-suited to assist teachers and students as they seek these goals.
Evidence of Effectiveness In the most recent Reading Power in the Content Areas evaluation study (1994), students from diverse sites whose teachers were trained in and used RP concepts demonstrated significant gains in reading comprehension on norm-referenced tests. Comparisons with national and state Chapter I results showed that RP students achieved reading comprehension gains from one to two times those in the Chapter I programs. Additionally, over 25% of students with reading scores below grade level on the pretest increased performance to grade level pre-to-post. Complete data available upon request.
Requirements No new staff or special equipment are required. One staff person with a background in curriculum development and/or reading acts as coordinator. Administrators, content-area instructors, reading consultants, and other support staff should be involved. The D/D provides a training workshop lasting one to two days depending upon needs of the implementing site. Staff development time should be provided. Computer resources should be available.
Costs Training costs consist of a trainer fee for the days of actual training, travel and per diem expenses, and the purchase of the Reading Power in the Content Areas training manual. Some optional materials are available. Costs for all other program services are negotiable. Contact RP for specific figures.
Services Awareness materials are available at no cost. Visitors are welcome by appointment at the program site and additional demonstration sites. Program staff are available to attend awareness meetings. Training is conducted at the adopter site or a regional location. Implementation, follow-up, and evaluation services are available.
Developmental Funding: USOE ESEA Title III.
JDRP No. 74-45 (5/14-15/74)
Recertified (4/1/94)
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