PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

a specific qualification in reading instruction as part of their university training. Readingspecialists are involved in the case of children with special needs.Second-language InstructionFrench is the second written foreign language to be introduced into primary educationand at least the third language that students learn during compulsory education.Instruction starts with three lessons per week in grade 2 and is taught until the end ofprimary school with up to seven lessons per week. 11Instruction in French consists of practicing oral communication and follows apractical approach to reading. Instruction focuses on reading comprehension and teachestechniques for decoding words and sentences. Students should be able to understandthe meaning of a text and to communicate the information they retrieve from thedifferent passages.Effective PracticesIn order to motivate students to read, most schools have libraries or reading corners ineach classroom. Students are encouraged to choose books to read on their own or toother students. These activities help to broaden students’ reading experience and developtheir interest in reading and literature. It is also recommended that teachers encouragethe exchange of individual reading experiences between students. These measures areaccompanied by projects, such as reading nights or reading competitions.Reading DisabilitiesDiagnostic TestingCompulsory tests for speech and hearing disabilities are conducted during earlychildhood and twice during preschool. Although not directly aimed at reading, theyfacilitate the early discovery of problems that might lead to reading difficulties in lateryears. In primary education, each class teacher may conduct a test of reading abilitiesand possible reading difficulties.Instruction for Children with Reading DisabilitiesThe teacher’s role is to support students with difficulties by adapting teaching methodsand workload to the needs and capacities of these students. Teachers may refer toexternal specialists in order to help students with reading difficulties. These specialists,either specially qualified teaching staff, education specialists, or psychologists, assist theteacher in class during lessons or provide extra instruction after school for small groupsof students.PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaSpecial EducationThe parents of children with special education needs can choose between specialeducation schools or integrating their children in regular classes. The primary educationsystem has been integrating children with special education needs in regular classessince the early 1990s. 12 Classes that have students with significant learning difficultiesreceive in-class support in the form of an increased number of teachers or, alternatively,LuxembourgTIMSS & PIRLSInternational Study CenterLynch School of Education, Boston College 251