Reading

This page provides links to resources created by NCSALL to introduce adult education practitioners to various topics in adult reading research. The guides are posted as PDF files and they are all self-contained. They each include all the information and relevant supplementary materials, such as readings intended for photocopying, needed to conduct the study circles and seminars.

For multi-session professional development opportunities, use the study circle or several of the seminars:

Study Circle Guide: Research-based Adult Reading Instruction
This 10 ½-hour study circle explores differing theories of the reading process, the four major components of reading and the implications for teaching, the development of learners' reading profiles, and the Equipped for the Future framework. The guide is based on a review of adult reading research conducted by the Reading Research Working Group and published in a report by John Krudenier, Research-Based Principles for Adult Education Reading Instruction.

For single-session professional development opportunities, use one of the seminars:

Reading Profiles - PDF
This 3-hour seminar helps teachers and tutors understand why developing reading profiles for students is important for planning better, more focused instruction. Participants learn to use the tools and reading profiles on the Assessment Strategies and Reading Profiles Web site.

This PowerPoint presentation can be used as an alternate activity if computers with internet access are not available.

Teaching Learners What Reading Is All About - PDF
This 4-hour seminar introduces teachers and tutors to Understanding What Reading Is All About: Teaching Materials and Lessons for Adult Basic Education Learners, a set of 13 lessons designed to help learners understand the components of reading that are part of becoming a more fluent reader.

Reading Difficulties - PDF
In this 4-hour seminar, practitioners discuss the risk factors identified in children with reading difficulties and compare these characteristics to those of adult literacy students.

Ideas for Teaching Reading: ABE - PDF
Adult education practitioners examine several evidence-based approaches to instructing adult basic education (ABE) learners in reading during this 3-hour seminar.

Ideas for Teaching Reading: ESOL - PDF
In this 3-hour seminar, adult education practitioners not only examine reading instruction for English-for-speakers-of-other-language (ESOL) learners, but also consider how reading instruction varies from that for learners who are native language speakers.

Ideas for Teaching Reading: Program Administrators and Counselors - PDF
In this 3½-hour seminar, program administrators and counselors examine several evidence-based practices for teaching reading and consider what changes might be necessary for improving instruction in their programs.

Using Going Beyond the GED – PDF
This 4-hour seminar introduces teachers and tutors to Going Beyond the GED: Making Conscious Choices about the GED and Your Future, a set of classroom materials designed for use in GED classrooms. The materials provide learners with practice in graph and chart reading, calculation, information analysis, and writing, while they examine the labor market, the role of higher education and the economic impact of the GED.