Recovering Reading Recovery

Abstract

Reading Recovery is a reading enhancement program that has been introduced throughout New Zealand, and in parts of Australia and the United States. The program attempts to reduce significantly the number of children who display ongoing learning problems arising from early reading difficulties. This paper describes the rationale and main elements of Reading Recovery. Attention is drawn to criticisms regarding the nature, research support, and implementation of the program. In addition, the results of evaluation studies conducted in New Zealand and Columbus, Ohio, are discussed. We suggest that the potential effectiveness of Reading Recovery might be enhanced if systematic attention is given to basic metalinguistic skills. In addition, we argue that the negative motivational consequences of early reading failure, culminating in feelings of learned helplessness, should be taken into account.