Frequently Asked Questions About Soar to Success
Q: Why don't the Soar to Success books have readability levels assigned to them?
A: Readability Levels are determined by mathematical formulas that use the number of words on a page, the number of syllables, the length of the sentences, etc. to determine a reading level. These factors have little or no bearing on comprehension. The critieria used in Soar to Success to determine categories of difficulty do relate directly to the factors influencing comprehension: the length of the book, the number of characters, the simplicity/difficulty of the story line, picture support, text organizers (headings, captions, side bars), number of subplots,etc.
Q: The early Soar to Success books are too easy for my students. Can I skip them?
A: The early Soar to Success books (category I books) are meant to be easy. Students should experience success with these books and have an opportunity to internalize the reciprocal teaching strategies while reading easy material. The emphasis should be on the process of learning and using Clarify, Question, Summarize, and Predict in these early books.
Q: I know you recommend 5-7 students per group, but I have 12 students at a time. Will Soar to Success work with larger groups?
A: All of the original research was done with groups of 5-7 students. When more students are added to a group, the literacy growth will usually not be as great. With more students participating in reciprocal teaching, each individual student has fewer opportunities to model the strategies and participate in discussions.
Q: Soar to Success is the only reading instruction my students receive. Is this okay?
A: Soar to Success is a reading intervention program that focuses on comprehension. It is not a total reading curriculum. For example, Soar does not provide instruction in process writing, spelling, study skills, etc. It is meant to be used in addition to a core reading/language arts program.
Q: Can Soar to Success be used with special education students?
A: Special education students are part of Soar to Success groups across the country. They were also part of the original Project SUCCESS research study. As long as the special education students meet the established student selection requirements (see Teacher's Manual for more information), they should be included. However, please check with your district/state guidelines. In some instances students who are being serviced in special education are not eligible for other programs.
Q: Can Soar to Success be used with second language students?
A: Yes, second language students who have reached the intermediate fluency level (last of the four stages of development identified by Krashen and Terrell, 1983) in oral English can be included in Soar to Success instruction. See the Selecting Students section in the "T" pages in the Teacher's Manual.
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