Effect of Repeated Reading on Reading Fluency for Adults with Specific Learning Disabilities.

The current study implemented an alternating-treatments design with Standard Celeration Charting. The applied experiment occurred via telecommunication and assessed the effectiveness of repeated reading (RR) on reading fluency for two adults with specific learning disabilities using high-level and low-level reading passages. Participants reread each passage until they met a predetermined fluency criterion. We measured participants reading fluency using correct words per 1 min (CWPM) and assessed for retention at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month. Both participants reached their fluency aims and maintained their progress postintervention. • RR can improve reading fluency for children and adults with reading deficits. • RR practice sessions require minutes to implement, which offers great flexibility for scheduling. • Telecommunication represents an effective modality for implementing RR procedures for adults with reading disabilities. • Participants in the study retained their fluency gains post-intervention, supporting that time spent on RR may represent a good investment for clinicians.

Slope Identification and Decision Making: A Comparison of Linear and Ratio Graphs.

Applied behavior analysts have traditionally relied on visual analysis of graphic data displays to determine the extent of functional relations between variables and guide treatment implementation. The present study assessed the influence of graph type on behavior analysts' (n = 51) ratings of trend magnitude, treatment decisions based on changes in trend, and their confidence in decision making. Participants examined simulated data presented on linear graphs featuring equal-interval scales as well as graphs with ratio scales (i.e., multiply/divide or logarithmic vertical axis) and numeric indicators of celeration. Standard rules for interpreting trends using each display accompanied the assessment items. Results suggested participants maintained significantly higher levels of agreement on evaluations of trend magnitude and treatment decisions and reported higher levels of confidence in making decisions when using ratio graphs. Furthermore, decision making occurred most efficiently with ratio charts and a celeration value. The findings have implications for research and practice.