The National Reading Panel guidepost: A review of reading outcome measures for students with emotional and behavioral disorders

In 2000, the National Reading Panel compiled a definitive report of effective methods for reading instruction. As a population that generally demonstrates numerous problems with reading, students with emotional and behavioral disorders may benefit from the National Reading Panel's published findings. This review examined and compared the number and outcomes of published reading studies for students with emotional and behavioral disorders before and after the release of the panel's report. Results from the 21 studies meeting inclusion criteria indicated a fivefold increase in publication rate since 2000 and a shift from single to multiple reading measures as study outcomes. Additional results appear consistent with reading conclusions drawn by the National Reading Panel. This review also addresses future directions for researchers.