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Fast Forword Research Paper

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Reading is one of the most difficult and challenging skills to master in school. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP; 1997) reported that 40% of fourth graders, 30% of eighth graders, and 25% of twelfth graders were reading below grade level. Snow, Burns, & Griffin discovered that the percentages are even higher and the gaps even wider between grade levels in schools predominately made up of free or reduced lunch eligible student populations (as cited in Joseph, 2002). It is up to the schools and teachers to find strategies to help these struggling readers master the skills that are necessary to be better readers. Even with the growing number of programs being made available to help assist with struggling readers, most …show more content…

The main goal for Fast ForWord is to help improve the achievement of struggling readers by building upon various skills through the use of computer programs that are adapted to each individual student. My son, Owen, who is in Third grade, has been using the Fast ForWord program since First grade and has shown great improvement in his comprehension and reading skills. Studies conducted by Scientific Learning and independently from 1996  1999 reveal that the four-to eight-week Fast ForWord Language product accelerated the progress of language acquisition by an average of one to two grade levels (“Instructional Interventions,” n.d.). Like other intervention programs, Fast ForWord accommodates different students such as English Language Learners, at-risk, and special education. The program is designed for students from Kindergarten to Twelfth grade and are researched-based materials that align with the Virginia Standards of …show more content…

With the growing number of English Language Learners and the induction of inclusion in general education classrooms, teachers have had to change their way of teaching to allow for differentiation in the classroom. Differentiation is also necessary for those students who are struggling with their reading skills or for those students who are reluctant to read. Just as in any other subject taught in school, reading is not a one size fits all subject. Teachers must make sure that they have quality materials that can be used by various levels of students and to meet the Virginia Standards of Learning. Quality differentiated instruction in reading should include books that are at the grade level struggling students are reading at and subject matter that can entice reluctant readers to find something that is actually worth reading. Reluctant readers are able to read but seem to never find a subject that interests them. With differentiated instruction, reluctant readers are given more freedom to explore the different genres and subject matter in books. Differentiated instruction should also allow extra time for those students who are slower at reading or do not like to read. Students who are struggling readers still need their teacher to help, but with using books that are at the correct reading level the student gains independence quicker. Since differentiated

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