Reading Recovery includes sound assessment instruments that enable teachers to detect progress and a three-tiered professional development component. University-based professors serve as trainers for expert professionals called teacher leaders. The teacher leaders train and support Reading Recovery teachers. Effective tutors have excellent subject matter knowledge, general knowledge, and teaching knowledge. Effective tutors make increasing demands on students for attention and efforts in each lesson.
Effective tutors convey high expectations but provide little direct negative feedback.
Effective tutors often ask students to explain their strategies and make connections to previous work. Know what each child knows about reading and writing. Help children learn how to problem-solve when struggling over a word or meaning. Provide early, focused instruction for children who are failing to read by mid-year first grade. Offering a variety of organized instructional practices that are administered by committed, knowledgeable teachers and are consistent across grades.