My 5th blog

- Do today's students perform better than their colleagues in 1960? Given the advances in education and technology, it will be natural to assume that the answer then is a resounding "yes. " Even so when it comes to reading efficiency, new research suggests that isn't the case. The research, printed by the International Literacy Association, compares the comprehension-based silent reading efficiency of US students (grades 2-12) in 2011 with data collected in 1960. A key finding was that students fall further back of as they advance through the grades, wrote Alexandra Spichtig, Ph. D., Primary Research Officer of Examining Plus, and first writer of the study. The study showed that modern-day second-grade students are equivalent to their peers of fifty years ago, but that at the conclusion of high school, students' comprehension-based quiet reading rates average 20 percent slower than the rates of their 60 peers. "What we know -- and the data underscore this -- is that for many students, the progression to effective silent reading does not develop naturally. Many students need structured silent reading instruction, " explains Draw Taylor, Chief Executive Expert of Reading Plus, a web-based silent reading program for schools. A few of the benefits associated with implementing silent reading instructions at home or in school are: * Widened vocabulary* Improved comprehension* Raised efficiency* Enhanced reading enjoyment* Improved writing skillsExperts concur that without comprehensive noiseless reading practice in the classroom or at home, students will continue to struggle and literacy rates will continue to flunk or fall behind. "Effective reading instruction must combine fluency, vocabulary, and awareness practice tailored to meet each student's unique needs. This study demonstrates that as long as set up silent reading practice is neglected in this country, the literacy problem is likely to continue, very well Taylor adds. While experts can't pinpoint reasons behind the decline in silent reading efficiency from that of fifty years ago, it stands to reason those students who engage in structured silent reading practice are more efficient readers and carry them a love of books that will last far past their high school graduation. For more information, please visit www.readingplus.com