PUB TYPE Dissertations/Theses (040)

This report describes a program for improving students' reading fluency in order to become more proficient readers. The targeted population consists of first and second grade students in a growing middle class community located in the Midwest. The lack of fluent reading was documented through teacher observation and the calculation of how many words could be read correctly per minute. Analysis of probable cause data revealed that teaching reading fluency is a neglected aspect of reading instruction. A clear and comprehensive definition of fluency is needed in order for teachers to adequately understand its importance in reading instruction. Support is needed by teachers to facilitate fluency instruction in teacher education programs and literature and basal reading series. Reviews of curricula content and instructional strategies revealed a curricular overemphasis on word to word reading and exact word matching which inhibits the development of reading fluency. A review of solution strategies suggested b