ERIC Number: EJ1000105
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Sep
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0740-2708
EISSN: N/A
Attention Therapy Improves Reading Comprehension in Adjudicated Teens in a Residential Facility
Shelley-Tremblay, John; Langhinrichsen-Rohling, Jennifer; Eyer, Joshua
Journal of Correctional Education, v63 n2 p49-67 Sep 2012
This study quantified the influence of visual Attention Therapy (AT) on reading skills and Coherent Motion Threshold (CMT) in adjudicated teens with moderate reading disabilities (RD) residing in a residential alternative sentencing program. Forty-two students with below-average reading scores were identified using standardized reading comprehension tests. Nineteen children were placed randomly in the AT group and 23 in the control group. The control group received normal small group classroom instruction in reading, while the AT group received 12 additional one-hour sessions of individually monitored, computer-based AT programs. To stimulate selective and sustained visual attention, AT stresses various aspects of arousal, activation, and vigilance. AT produced significantly greater increases in reading comprehension than a normal education control. The current study supports the literature suggesting a role for visual attention in reading, and that attention therapy may be an efficient addition to normal educational practices in juvenile detention facilities. (Contains 2 tables, 3 figures and 1 footnote.)
Descriptors: Therapy, Attention, Control Groups, Reading Difficulties, Reading Comprehension, Juvenile Justice, Educational Practices, Residential Institutions, Adolescents, Reading Achievement, Low Achievement, Reading Instruction, Computer Assisted Instruction, Small Group Instruction, Outcomes of Treatment, Institutionalized Persons
Correctional Education Association. 8182 Lark Brown Road Suite 202, Elkridge, MD 21075. Tel: 800-783-1232; Fax: 443-459-3088; e-mail: ceaoffice@aol.com; Web site: http://www.ceanational.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A