Native Language Reading Approach Program, 1982-1983. O.E.E. Final Evaluation Report [microform] / Jose Luis Keyes and Others

The Native Language Reading Approach Program in New York City was designed as an exemplary approach to on-site training of classroom teachers and their assistants in how to help students transfer reading skills from their native language to English. Program components included support services, teacher training, material/curriculum development, and parental involvement activities. In 1981-82, 43 teachers and 6 professional and paraprofessional specialists and 1314 students (Haitian, Greek, Italian, and Hispanic) in grades K-6 participated in the program. Evaluation showed that the main difficulties encountered in the first two years of the program were, in this the third and final year, resolved. Individualized services were provided to the different sites, and an integrated, overall approach was developed. Excellent rapport was achieved within the program itself and between the program staff and personnel at the sites. Program resource specialists developed expertise and two manuals that may have citywide application. Teachers at the sites developed an awareness of how to transfer reading skills and of the interrelationships between language development and reading. They also developed related teaching and management skills. The program researched and developed various techniques to train experienced and inexperienced faculty. School personnel, at every level interviewed, regretted that the services were being terminated. Materials and resources used for this program appear in several appendices to this report. (CMG)