Improving Reading Comprehension of Self-Chosen Books Through Computer Assessment and Feedback

Schools around the world use online programs like Accelerated Reader and Reading Counts to improve students' reading comprehension of real books, but how can such software be used most effectively? In this unique resource, researcher Keith Topping analyzes independent research studies and brings you best practices on quality implementation to enhance effectiveness. He explains the evidence base for the programs in a comprehensible way and addresses many common questions, such as "Does it work?," "How should it be implemented to make it work?," and "Is it cheaper and more efficient in teacher time than what we were doing before?" He also discusses best practices for using the assessment data, for tailoring implementation in elementary vs. high schools, and for working with disadvantaged students. Appropriate for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum leaders, and other stakeholders, the book will provide you with a strong research foundation and easily accessible information to help you fine-tune your understanding of the reading programs and implement them more successfully in your schools and classrooms.

Keith James Topping is a researcher, educator, author, and international speaker. His interests are peer learning, parents as educators, social competence, computer-assisted assessment, and inclusion. Topping has written 27 books and over 400 other publications including 200 peer-reviewed journal papers.

1. Introduction 2. What is Computer Assessment of Reading Comprehension of Real Books? 3. Disentangling Opinion and Fact 4. So, Does It Work? 5. How to Implement for Increased Student Success 6. How Have Schools Done with Implementation? 7. Increasing Student Achievement in Elementary and High School 8. Improving Outcomes for Low and High Ability Readers 9. Using Favorite Books as a Major Motivator 10. Encouraging Careful Reading of Non-Fiction Books 11. Working Effectively with Disadvantaged, Spanish-Speaking, Disabled or EFL Students 12. Electronic Reading and Out-of-School Reading 13. What Bang for Your Buck? The Importance of Cost-Effectiveness 14. Summary and Conclusions Appendices A Implementation Quality Checklist B List of Studies Completed by Manufacturers and Not Peer Reviewed C How to Use This Book in a Professional Development or Study Group