A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

Audience Students of all ability levels, especially high-risk, grades five through twelve.

Description Literacy Links provides content area teachers with the necessary skills to develop instructional, interactive modules in vocabulary, comprehension, and study strategies using the content of their own courses. The modules are based on research-validated techniques, such as graphic organizers, feature analysis, and question clusters--techniques stressing ways of linking ideas and concepts. Module use is then coordinated through instructional approaches, cooperative learning, and problem-solving. Included are three major components: (1) teaching and modeling of reading, thinking, and writing strategies in all content areas; (2) inservice that focuses on both content and the processes of instructional delivery; and (3) an optional computer component for the development and delivery of customized learning activities. Program inservice benefits include: (1) development of instructional materials for immediate classroom use; (2) shared insights into reading problems and enhanced understanding of one another's subjects and how best to teach them; (3) familiarization with cooperative learning strategies; (4) teacher collaboration on mutually taught text units; and (5) awareness of a range of writing activities designed to enable students to organize and apply knowledge. Literacy Links supports National Educational Goal 3.

Evidence of Effectiveness Three claims of effectiveness were evaluated to examine the overall impact of the program on student achievement and teacher behavior. Eight studies at nine sites were conducted. Data from one study were pooled across multiple sites. Results showed statistically significant student achievement gains in content learning and reading ability, both for mainstream students and for those considered at-risk of academic failure. Moderate to strong effect sizes resulted in every study, across a diversity of districts, regions, and school populations.

Requirements Requirements necessary for implementing Literacy Links include: a three day training session; a maximum of twenty teachers and/or administrators per one trainer (preferably at least one English/reading teacher, at least one administrator, and a variety of content area teachers); one manual per participant; and one content area textbook per participant for the development of modules and related learning activities during and following the inservice.Costs Start-up costs include: $1575 for training, and $400 for training materials for 20 participants. Total cost per student is estimated at $7.22.

Services Awareness activities, training sessions, and site visitations for a fee.

Contact

Lynn Dennis, Director, Coeur d'Alene Public Schools, District 271, 311 North 10th Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814. (208) 664-8241, FAX (208) 664-1748.

Developmental Funding: ESEA Title IV-C
Pep No. 94-17 (5/1/94)

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[Kids Interest Discovery Studies KITS (KIDS KITS)]

[Multicultural Reading and Thinking (MCRAT)]