Students in PALS take a weekly computerized reading test. Computer-based measurement software generates reports from these assessments for teachers. The reports are used by teachers to both inform their reading instruction and to pair students for tutoring. Using training scripts, students are taught to work cooperatively on reading fluency, reading comprehension, and in the case of first graders, on phonemic awareness and decoding activities. After training, partners work together three times a week for 35 minutes per session for at least 15 weeks using text appropriate to the weaker reader.
PALS Reading is scheduled during normal reading time when all students in the class are present.
The stronger reader reads first for each activity and serves as a model for the weaker reader. Any reading material can be used. Not all pairs in the class must read from the same book, and teachers may individualize reading assignments. PALS Reading has been evaluated over several years. Measures have included the Comprehensive Assessment Program and Comprehensive Reading Assessment Battery .