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This article systematically reviews research on the achievement outcomes of four types of approaches to improving the
reading of middle and high school students: (1) reading curricula, (2) mixed-method models (methods that combine largeand
small-group instruction with computer activities), (3) computer-assisted instruction, and (4) instructional-process
programs (methods that focus on providing teachers with extensive professional development to implement specific
instructional methods). Criteria for inclusion in the study were use of randomized or matched control groups, a study
duration of at least 12 weeks, and valid achievement measures that were independent of the experimental treatments. A
total of 33 studies met these criteria. The review concludes that programs designed to change daily teaching practices have
substantially greater research support than those focused on curriculum or technology alone. Positive achievement
effects were found for instructional-process programs, especially for those involving cooperative learning, and for
mixed-method programs. The effective approaches provided extensive professional development and significantly affected
teaching practices. In contrast, no studies of reading curricula met the inclusion criteria, and the effects of supplementary
computer-assisted instruction were small.
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