Review of PREVENTING READING FAILURE: Prediction, Diagnosis, Intervention

Reviews the book, Preventing Reading Failure: Prediction, Diagnosis, Intervention by Jeannette Jansky and Katrina de Hirsch (see record 1973-25733-000). This volume is an extension of its work, incorporating a much larger clinical sample and adding important chapters on diagnosis and intervention. After discussing various approaches to predictions, their new plan for prediction is presented in detail. Their final sample was made up of 401 kindergarten children, 217 boys and 184 girls. Most were from low socioeconomic levels, which is clearly detailed in the book. de Hirsch recommended the extensive training and use of volunteers, students, paraprofessionals, and community based personnel. Because the results of remedial programs are disappointing, a radical new approach is needed. This book provides a beautiful blueprint for action. It may well be the most important book of the year. Here is a carefully researched program that could, if put into action, result in the single most effective preventive mental health program conceivable. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)