Reading and Integrated Literacy Strategies (RAILS): An Integrated Approach to Early Reading |
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Authors: | Robert J Stevens Peggy N Van Meter Joanna Garner Nicholas Warcholak Cindy Bochna Tracey Hall |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Educational Psychology , School Psychology, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University , rjs15@psu.edu;3. Department of Educational Psychology , School Psychology, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University ,;4. Research and Evaluation Mesa Public Schools , Mesa, AZ;5. Center for Applied Special Technology Wakefield , MA |
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Abstract: | The goal of this project was to develop and test the efficacy of a research-based early reading program that provided integrated reading instruction in kindergarten through 2nd grade. The Reading and Integrated Literacy Strategies (RAILS) program provided integrated instruction in word reading, vocabulary development, and comprehension to students in regular and self-contained special education classes in 2 schools serving low-income populations. Teachers provided explicit instruction in the alphabetic principle, phonemic analysis, word reading, vocabulary development, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension. Classes were organized so students received 2 periods of reading instruction daily, a longer morning period of instruction and a shorter afternoon review of instruction. The students in the RAILS program had significantly higher performance on standardized reading and language achievement tests, as well as on individually administered tests of phonemic awareness and reading fluency. The implications for research-based instructional practice that integrates instruction in word reading, vocabulary, and comprehension are discussed. |
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