Downloads & Free Reading Options - Results

Given concerns about the reading achievement of Dual Language Learners (DLLs) in comparison to English Monolinguals (EMs), this study examined individual difference variables contributing to English reading comprehension growth in Spanish-speaking DLLs and their EM counterparts in Grades 1-4. The participants, who included 578 DLLs and 412 EMs, were primarily from low-income backgrounds. They were assessed in the fall and spring of one school year on decoding, vocabulary, and oral language comprehension (established predictors of reading comprehension for DLLs and EMs); higher order strategic processes, executive functions, and reading engagement (understudied predictors for DLLs); and reading comprehension. Among the key findings were that each of the three understudied predictors was associated with reading comprehension growth over the school year, over and above the contributions of the established predictors, in both language groups. Additionally, higher order strategic processes partially mediated the relations of executive functioning in the fall with reading comprehension in the spring for both DLLs and EMs. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings for understanding and strengthening the reading achievement of all students are considered. [This paper was published in "Contemporary Educational Psychology" v61 Article 101848 2020.]

1Boy Crusoe

By Allan Eric

Also published as" A Yankee Crusoe" . A 15 year old hard working and studious farm boy finds the lure of adventure on the seas as a merchant seaman more than he can resist. This is his story. " I was born in a little town in the State of Maine, near the close of the Civil War. My boyhood life did not differ materially from that of the average farmer's son in the remote country districts of New England--except, perhaps, that I read more and thought more. Hard work on the rugged soil, two terms each year in the little yellow country schoolhouse, a day's fishing now and then filled the early years of my life full to over-flowing. " What he gets is enough excitement and adventure to overflow his wildest dreams. How he experiences disaster and uses his wits and knowledge to overcome every problem makes for a great read. - Summary by Phil Chenevert