PALS Reading is a program developed by Doug Fuchs and Lynn Fuchs, professors of special education at Vanderbilt University. The program is designed to enhance classroom learning in reading and literacy development by pairing students with classmates who serve as peer coaches. The acronym “PALS” stands for Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies. This program is used with the existing reading curriculum in a classroom.
PALS Reading Method
The PALS Reading Program is a series of activities that are used to supplement existing reading curriculum. This program uses a classroom-wide version of peer tutoring.
Ages and Grades Using PALS Reading Program
The PALS Reading Program has levels for students from kindergarten through high school. Individual student needs are addressed regardless of age, grade or reading level.
PALS Training
A one-day workshop is required to train classroom teachers to use the PALS Reading Program in public schools. Workshops and videos are also available for educators who want to learn the PALS method of teaching reading.
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Writer Bio
Since 2007 Peggy Crippen has written about child development and family issues at Preschool Rock and other Web publications. Her diverse experiences include mental health case management, parent education with low-income families and teaching several college courses. She received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Science in human development/family studies emphasizing family life education from Kansas State University.