- Most of the reading programs used in public schools are research-based. This means the strategies, techniques and teaching methods advocated by the authors have been used in the classroom and have been proved to be successful.
- Reading programs in elementary schools encourage explicit, systematic instruction. This means the teacher models and explains the reading strategy or skill, then provides many opportunities for students to practice. Skills are taught in a systematic way that gradually brings the student to the point of full comprehension, which is the ultimate goal of a reading program.
- Reading programs target specific skills that need to be mastered as a child progresses through elementary school. These skills include making predictions, questioning, summarizing and synthesizing information. These skills are taught in all grades, generally introduced in kindergarten and first grade and expanded upon in grades 2 through 6.
- Reading programs tend to be student-centered. The teacher instructs and models reading strategies but only until the student has practiced them enough to apply them independently. This puts the teacher more in the role of facilitator, rather than the one driving the instruction all the time.
- Reading programs in elementary schools have frequent assessment as a core component for addressing the capabilities of students as well as any learning problems that may exist. Frequent assessment is necessary to gauge the individual student's progress and helps the teacher adjust the pace of learning. After assessing, a reading program will suggest a variety of intervention strategies that the teacher can use to work with students who are having difficulty. These strategies, like those in the core program, are research-based and reinforce specific skills already taught.
