The program targets the poorest readers in the first grade. Students receive tutoring until they acquire the strategies that support their reading achievement in the regular classroom. The intervention typically lasts from 16 to 20 weeks. During the 1995-96 school year, the Reading Recovery program was implemented in 67 elementary schools and approximately 956 students and 119 teachers were involved. Variations in implementation across school sites can be problematic for overall effective implementation.
Teachers attend assessment training to learn how to administer and score the observation surveys.
In addition, classroom teachers receive four to six visits from a Teacher Leader for guidance and clarification of appropriate procedures. Dr. Mattie Williams, Psychology Coordinator, Office of Accountability, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Chicago Public Schools.