Chapter 1/P.S.E.N. Remedial Reading and Mathematics Program 1986-87. Final Evaluation Report and Evaluation Summary. OEA Evaluation Report

The Chapter 1/P.S.E.N. Remedial Reading and Mathematics Program of the New York City Board of Education Division of Special Education was designed to provide supplementary instruction to eligible English-speaking and limited English-proficient students in self-contained special education classes. A secondary goal was to provide orientation and inservice training to special education teachers. The remediation consisted of individualized diagnostic-prescriptive instruction. Reading instruction was based on a holistic, meaning-centered approach; mathematics instruction emphasized word problems and practical skills. Evaluation of the program indicated that: (1) the program was adequately implemented; (2) program staff and special education teachers rated their preservice orientation and inservice training favorably; (3) 59.9 percent of the eligible English-speaking students met the achievement objective for reading in English; (4) 54.5 percent of the limited English-proficient students mastered at least two new skills and 34.1 percent mastered at least five skills in their reading instruction in Spanish; and (5) eligible students met and exceeded the program objectives in math. Recommendations for program modifications are offered. (JDD)