Development of an Evidence-Based Reading Fluency Program for Adult Literacy Learners

Abstract

Fluency is an essential part of skilled reading that has only recently begun to receive its deserved attention. However, programs that meaningfully engage adult learners in fluency training have not been widely explored in research. In this article, the authors describe an evidence-based adult Guided Repeated Reading program developed for low-literate adult learners (reading at the seventh-grade equivalent or below). Lessons incorporated teacher-guided, choral, paired, and other repeated readings of these texts, supplemented by lessons that build on prior knowledge, embedded phonics and vocabulary, comprehension, and reading strategy support. The program has been implemented in a national efficacy study of reading in adults. Outcomes and future implications of the implementation are discussed.