Abstract

This paper discusses the research basis forthe RocketReader Computer Reading Proficiency software. It describes a foundation based on solid scientific principles and accepted methods of instruction. This paper demonstrates how RocketReader instructional methods tie in to the report of the National Reading Panel ‘Teaching Children to Read’ and its recommendations, in the areas of reading fluency and comprehension. As a background, this paper discusses how people learn to read, and the biomechanical and neural processes of reading. Unique capabilities of RocketReader are discussed and related to scholarly findings on reading instruction including high comprehension reading, breaking poor reading habits, paced reading, graded reading, inspiration and imagination in reading, and feedback of reading progress. This paper demonstrates that RocketReader is sufficiently grounded in proven and validated reading instructional methods, qualifying schools to receive funding for its purchase, under grants associated with the US federal government Reading First initiative and ‘No Child Left Behind’ Act.