This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 13 titles deal with the following topics: the evaluation of the elementary reading specialist; the validity of the Visual-Aural Digit Span Test as a predictor of word recognition and spelling in learning disabled children; the validation of three tests devised to measure critical reading ability; a criterion-referenced test of fundamental reading competencies; the influence of reading behavior procedures on reading test performance; kindergarten-first grade screening measures as predictors of third grade reading achievement; differences in performance on the traditional and object form of a reading readiness test; the origin and development of reading diagnosis in the United States from 1896 to 1946; a comparison of two methods of helping content-area teachers select and use student reading materials; problem solving behavior of teachers diagnosing a child's reading performance; an unobtrusive screening device to approximate the reading levels of adults; the relationship between reading miscue inventory scores and readability level; and criterion-referenced word recognition measures as predictors of reading achievement. (MAI)