'Meeting Initial Needs for Literacy' (MINILIT): A ramp to MULTILIT for younger low-progress readers
Meree Reynolds, Kevin Wheldall and Robyn Beaman
Macquarie University

Abstract
In spite of serious reservations expressed by reading scientists regarding both its efficacy and its cost effectiveness, for over 20 years Reading Recovery has been promoted internationally as the intervention of choice for young struggling readers. Following a brief review of research on Reading Recovery, several suggestions for improvement are suggested. An alternative small group-based instructional model (MINILIT) is then described. This provides additional focus on phonemic awareness and allows access to the MULTILIT program for younger struggling readers. The results from two preliminary pilot studies are presented.

This paper was presented as part of the Symposium on ‘The work of the MULTILIT Research Unit’ at the Annual Conference of the Learning Difficulties Australia, Melbourne, 18 August, 2006.