http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/read180/pdfs/Hasselbring_and_Goin_technology_literacy_professional_paper.pdf

This article from Scholastic is meaningful to me because in general, older students seem to receive little remediation for reading and spelling skills unless they qualify for special education services. With illiteracy being pinpointed as a major factor behind poverty and crime, shouldn't more reading programs be offered in secondary school? Studies show that literacy-promoting activities can help overcome such factors. The article tells how computer-based literacy programs can help.

In this generation most teenagers are very receptive to using technology to obtain reading help. Described is an intervention for middle school and high school struggling readers that does just that. With the use of a technology-based program called PLL (Peabody Literacy Lab) older students can become fluent readers. This integrated media program was developed over several years and researched with secondary students who had a history of struggling with reading. It mediates instruction in word recognition, decoding, and spelling, as well as the comprehension of text passages. It helps students develop phonological awareness and orthographic reliability. Instruction is presented via a video anchor using topics that are interesting to this age group. An animated tutor guides the student and provides feedback using a digitized human voice. The program tracks individual student progress and adjusts the instruction accordingly.

As teachers, I feel we must remember that reading help is also needed in upper grades. Many older students are poor readers, and unfortunately, the effects of illiteracy are proven to hinder their futures. I think computer-based programs, like PLL, can afford older students the instruction and practice they need to become fluent, capable readers. The research described in this article proves that PLL does motivate and challenge such students.

I also have this book at home as a professional resource. I enjoy referring to the ongoing assessment material in the book. Great review Kevin!!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Motivation-Breakthrough-Secrets-Turning-Tuned-Out/dp/0743289617/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1328620537&sr=1-2-catcorr

The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child is a well written resource guide for teachers who wish to figure out how to motivate their students. Parents can learn from the guide as well, but the author primarily addresses educators who seek to improve relations with their students and figure out how to help them work to potential. Richard Lavoie is a consultant and a lecturer with over thirty years of experience as a teacher and an administrator at special education facilities. He explores strategies and techniques that are proven to inspire children to learn. He outlines strategies that will be most effective in igniting the interest and eagerness of kids, especially given their different needs. He outlines several different ways that children are motivated to do their best work. He teaches of the six Ps to motivate children. Some seek praise; others seek prizes, power, projects, or prestige. Some are people-oriented and are motivated when they work with people. Six different chapters address the various motivating factors and how they can be identified and used in the classroom. Personal accounts from Lavoie's years as a teacher allow us to see how he has put his lessons into practice.
I appreciate the way that Lavoie challenges teachers to find out what motivates their students, even those students with special needs or who are classified as difficult. He encourages parents and teachers to work together to spark any child to reach his/her full potential. He covers learned helplessness, internal vs. external locus of control, and other concepts that explain the keys to motivation. All in all, this book has much to offer both parents and teachers. I would recommend it to colleagues, especially colleagues who work with special needs students. I have already purchased this book as a personal and professional resource.

I own this book in my collection too Scott. I love the works of Richard Lavoie. The special education field is a rewarding one, and with more insight we teachers can help students with a variety of problems including social issues.