Abstract
The ability of students with special needs to be included in regular classes. And to benefit from class instruction is greatly enhanced when literacy skills are improved. The 'Reading Success' program aims to improve reading accuracy, rate and comprehension through direct teaching of skills and providing adequate practice in reading and writing. The program has been successful in improving literacy skills in students with a variety of disabilities/difficulties/special needs. The author of the program (Dr Lorna Idol) conducted extensive research into the effectiveness of the program in USA over a ten-year period. The speaker has trialled the program in Western Australian and English schools. She will report on the findings of Dr Idol's research and on her own work. The success of the program has been outstanding in all settings in a very short time with emergent readers through to Learners with mild reading/writing difficulties. Dr Idol reports that some students in the USA were able to gain four years in just one year of instruction using the 'Reading Success' program. The program is not reliant on any particular reading scheme and can be used with content-based literature (e.g. science, social studies). The program methods are appropriate for Learners of all ages because the reading content and materials can be adapted to suit individual abilities and needs. The speaker will explain the basic lesson procedures and ongoing record keeping from which tailored lessons to suit individual needs can be developed.
The speaker and the author have been successful in training teachers, assistants, volunteers and student tutors to use the program. The training programs will be explained by the speaker.
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