Curriculum-based measurement oral reading as an indicator of reading achievement: a meta-analysis of the correlational evidence.

Reading fluency is commonly defined as reading accurately at a quick rate with appropriate prosody—a simple sounding definition In fact, this definition hides complex processes and skills needed to produce the seemingly effortless performance of a fluent reader Using both theory and empirical research, the presence and role of underlying processes and knowledge such as decoding fluency, processing speed, vocabulary, letter sound fluency, and sight word fluency are discussed In doing this, we explain the elements needed for fluent reading and how they relate to each other in a multilayered fashion in young readers, and discuss the implications of this model in the development and assessment of reading fluency

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The Complex Nature of Reading Fluency: A Multidimensional View

The current U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) emphasis on the preparation of teachers in content knowledge, and de-emphasis on pedagogy and teaching practicums, constitutes a major issue concerning how best to prepare a sufficient supply of highly qualified teachers. By contrast, federal policy represented by the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) emphasizes both full certification and content knowledge. Our research was based on data from the Schools and Staffing Survey for beginning teachers in both special and general education (separately). Results showed that extensive preparation in pedagogy and practice teaching was more effective than was only some or no preparation in producing beginning teachers who (a) were fully certified, (b) secured in-field teaching assignments, and (c) reported being well prepared to teach subject matter and well prepared with respect to pedagogical skills. Thus, contrary to the USDOE perspective emphasizing preparation in content knowledge, extensive preparation in p...

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Does Teacher Preparation Matter for Beginning Teachers in Either Special or General Education

In this study, the authors examine whether an advanced online technology can be used to give teacher trainees real-time feedback on their use of research-based classroom practices. Participants include 15 teachers enrolled in a field-based graduate special education teacher preparation program. Data include video-recorded teacher observations and written reflections by teachers about their experiences. Quantitative results indicate that the advanced online bug-in-ear technology is a practical and efficient way to provide immediate feedback to increase teachers‘ rate of praise statements and their use of proven effective instructional practices and that these improvements are accompanied by increases in students‘ on-task behavior. Overall, trainees view the advanced online technology as a powerful tool for improving the teaching and learning process but report the need for patience and perseverance in both the teachers and the supervisor, as well as teachers‘ need for constant reassurance.

Can You Hear Me Now? Evaluation of an Online Wireless Technology to Provide Real-Time Feedback to Special Education Teachers-In-Training

Performance mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act of 2004 have demanded ever-greater access to the general curriculum for all students, including those with disabilities. Inclusive classrooms and the elevated expectations for all students have a profound impact on preservice teacher preparation. This study obtained information about preservice teacher preparation for inclusive classrooms from a national sample of faculty members in special education, elementary and secondary education, and curriculum and instruction at teacher-education institutions. Faculty perceptions of training efforts used to prepare preservice teachers for inclusion were assessed through electronic survey methods. The survey instrument used a 5-point, Likert-type scale and open-ended questions focused on program elements and perceived effectiveness of inclusion and collaboration. Results indicated a high level of agreement among respondents regarding training efforts a...

Preservice Teacher Preparation for Inclusion An Exploration of Higher Education Teacher-Training Institutions

Policy and program decisions involve choices among different ways of preparing teachers. These choices are shrouded in increasingly contentious debates as teacher shortages reach crisis proportions. Yet, research on special education teacher education is almost nonexistent. Findings from comparative research documenting the characteristics of effective teacher education programs can inform these choices, but these findings should be grounded in what we know from previous research in general teacher education. To assist educators, we have analyzed literature in general and special teacher education toward two ends. First, we present a framework, derived from work in general education, for analyzing teacher education programs. Second, we use this framework to analyze practice in teacher education in special education. Specifically, we conducted an exhaustive review of special education program descriptions and evaluations. We conclude by describing steps necessary to improve the special education teacher ed...

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Critical Features of Special Education Teacher Preparation: A Comparison With General Teacher Education

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of instructions of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) of reading on (a) the number of words read correctly and incorrectly per minute and (b) the relationship between CBM reading and reading achievement. Results indicated that the specific instructions used have a significant impact on CBM reading outcomes. Statistically significant mean differences were found among the fast, best, and baseline reading conditions in the number of words read correctly and in the number of errors. Correlations between words read correctly per minute and a test of reading achievement were statistically significant and substantial for all three conditions, but differences among their correlations were not. These results underscore the importance of using standardized instructions on CBM results both within and across settings. Implications of these results for the responsiveness-to-intervention method for identifying children with learning difficulties are discussed.

Elayne Proesel Colón

Papers

Critical Features of Special Education Teacher Preparation: A Comparison With General Teacher Education

Effect of Instructions on Curriculum-Based Measurement of Reading