Increasing Content Accessibility: An Evaluation of the Support Demands of ELLs in the Comprehension of Informational Texts
Nathan M. Fite · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2017
Reading comprehension is highly complex task that demands the simultaneous integration of decoding and semantic processing in order to construct meaning from the text.A major obstacle for English language learners in the comprehension of academic texts is that informational texts often include omissions of important information that is assumed to be understood by the reader.To address this issue, this study investigated the utility of a culturally adaptive intervention package called Preview-Review in order to enhance the reading fluency, comprehension level, and reading comprehension rate of ELLs in an ongoing Repeated Readings intervention.This study employed an alternating treatment design with baseline for three English language learners in an urban midwestern middle school.Participants were provided with scripted bilingual preview of conceptual and contextual information relating to the topic, and explicit instruction of passage vocabulary using cognates, multiple exemplars, and reinforcement.The effects of both repeated readings with preview-review were measured on oral reading fluency, reading comprehension score, and reading comprehension rate.Results indicated that the repeated readings with preview-review was superior to the repeated readings stand-alone condition across all target variables.All students showed growth in generalized reading performance on novel passages by the end of the intervention.To all those who have supported me in achieving this dream through their encouragement, mentorship, and love, I dedicate this work.I give a special thanks to my wife Clara, my son Theo, and my daughter Zoë, whose commitment and sacrifice enabled me to come this far.You are my motivation and first love.I would also like to thank my mother Patty and my father Michael, who through their belief in me and their financial sacrifice, made it possible for me to continue my studies even when I did not think it would be possible.You have inspired me in countless ways, and I am a better person because of it.To all my colleagues and professors at the University of Cincinnati, you have created a first-class community of learning that is truly committed to making a difference in the lives of students.I am deeply grateful to Dr. Julie Morrison for her support and guidance through the numerous iterations of my work.You have always provided a listening ear and a helping hand in adjusting and improving my ideas.I could not have asked for a better supervisor and mentor.I would also like to acknowledge Dr. David Barnett who helped me through initial conceptualization of this research project and whose expertise allowed me to pursue an area of research about which I am passionate.I am so thankful to Dr. Renee Hawkins for her dependable support and for encouraging me to pursue professional opportunities as a practitioner and researcher of which I might not have otherwise taken advantage.You are are an exceptional researcher and a tireless advocate for our program.I would finally like to acknowledge Dr. Liliana Rojas-Guyer willingness to serve as a committee member