The Thinking Reader Project

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) has undertaken the Thinking Reader Project. This project is designed to teach children with mental retardation to read using the same principles used with typical children. Instead of relying on repetitive drills, CAST encourages improving reading comprehension and early literacy skills by using technology. According to CAST, children with mental retardation are taught to understand and discuss content, examine story structure, improve their vocabulary, and develop important reading skills by reading adapted versions of popular children's books such as The Gingerbread Boy. In addition, Thinking Reader picture books are accessible for students with physical, auditory, and visual impairments.

The first phase of the project began this month and results of the project will be announced when research and evaluation has been completed. To read more about this research study go www.cast.org/research/udl/.

The Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST), 39 Cross Street, Peabody, MA 01960, 978.531.8555 (voice), www.cast.org (web) cast@cast.org (email).