EDIS 3887: Field Experience in Special Education
Module 1: Overview of Reading Mastery

Reading Mastery

Introducing Direct Instruction

Readings:

For this lesson, download and read SRA Direct Instruction Research Base and Validation.

Video:

Watch the following video.

Zig Engelmann discusses Direct Instruction

What is Reading Mastery?

• A Direct Instruction Basal Reading Program
• Available for grades K-6
• Usually implemented in small-group format
• 30-45 minute lessons

What are the characteristics of DI that are embedded in Reading Mastery?

• Ongoing monitoring of students' understanding
• Immediate corrective feedback
• Decision-making based on student performance
• High expectations for student learning
• Efficient use of instructional time
• Choral responses increases opportunities to respond
• Students are actively engaged

Reading Mastery Contains--

• Complete lesson plans
• DI techniques
• Specific correction procedures
• Complete stories and novels
• High interest stories
• Reading in the content areas (III & IV)
• Fully coordinated materials
• Continuous in-program tests
• Built-in management system

Reading Mastery Program Design

• Focus on essential reading skills
• Skill introduction is sequenced carefully
• Pre-skills are taught
• Systematic (easy skills are taught before more difficult skills)
• Reading material is appropriate to skill level
• Practice is sufficient to ensure mastery
• Teacher materials are carefully scripted

Reading Mastery Overview

Reading Mastery Classic (I, II, FC) focuses on Learning to Read

Reading Mastery Plus ( 3 and 4) focuses on Reading to Learn

Reading Mastery Plus (5 and 6) focuses on Learning through Literature

RM Design Strategies

• No assumptions
• Include only necessary skills
• Teach subskills and strategies
• Construct tasks for first time correct
• Select and logically sequence examples
• Tasks move from simple to complex
• Cumulative Review
• Integration of skills
• Opportunities to practice mastery
• Built-in assessment/management

RM Delivery Strategies

• No wordy lectures
• Planned teaching tasks (scripts)
• Pacing-fluent presentation of script
• 100% responses on group tasks (signals)
• Planned correction procedures
• Variety of activities
• Positive reinforcement