Components of effective early reading interventions for young struggling readers

Abstract

Although the importance of intervening to assist young struggling readers is widely accepted and many interventions have been developed to meet this need, research has not yet established that there is an effective and low-cost option for schools. Reviews of research into beginning reading provide guidance about what needs to be included in an intervention for young struggling readers but there is less available information about how to organise and implement an intervention. Recent research into the variables influencing interventions that have been used with young students provides some useful information that can be used to adapt existing programs or design and develop new ones. Ten desirable features of interventions suitable for young students who are beginning to struggle in reading after a year of schooling are identified.