Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning for Students in Grades 4-12

"Fills a niche for content teachers who teach reading strategies, particularly in light of the standards movement." — Christene Alfonsi, Teacher, Fairfield High School, OH "From a fairly concise book, teachers get an important overview about a 'system' approach to literacy. All teachers get specific tools and strategies and some very useful information that could change their paradigm along the way." —Allyson Burnett, Instructional Interventionist, Alief Hastings High School, Houston, TX Put a strong literacy system in place to improve student achievement! In contrast to the primary grades when children are learning to read, students in grades 4 through 12 are expected to learn content as they read, yet they may still struggle with reading basics. Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning for Students in Grades 4-12 provides a realistic and systematic process for improving reading and writing while enhancing content knowledge and skills. Based on proven evidence in multiple schools over a 10-year period, this excellent new resource presents specific strategies and successful examples that educators can immediately implement to improve day-to-day classroom success, while also boosting the success rate on standardized assessments. Aligned with the National Reading Panel Report, this book helps teachers focus on: Creating a classroom community that is academically and psychologically safe for learning Responding to non-negotiable expectations of daily practice Building vocabulary, reading comprehension, and higher-order and critical thinking skills Developing fluency in reading Engaging families and the community Teachers can create the best environment and instructional experience for all students to maximize literacy learning and standards-based achievement. This outstanding book will be a source of reflection for continuous improvement!  

Table of Contents:
List of Figures Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. The Fail-Safe Classroom: Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning Introduction Academically and Psychologically Safe to Learn Nonnegotiable Expectations of Daily Practice Nonnegotiable Expectations of Daily Practice and Writing Practical Tips for Creating Fail-Safe Classrooms for Literacy and Content Learning 2. Reading Components for Grades 4--12 Phonemic Awareness Phonics Relationship of Nonnegotiables and Reading Components Relevant and Respectful Literacy for Below-Grade-Level Readers Reading Intervention and Phonemic Awareness Technology Solutions Audiobooks Practical Tips for Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Support 3. Owning Vocabulary Vocabulary Solvers Vocabulary in Context Word Questioning Target Word: Nylons Textbook Vocabulary Lists Word Walls Personal Dictionary, Thesaurus, or Journal Vocabulary Workbooks Spelling and Writing Practical Tips for Developing Student-Owned Vocabulary 4. Developing Fluency in Reading All Texts What Is Fluency and Why Is It So Important? Developing Fluency in Reading Intervention Developing Fluency in Reading Content Texts Accountable Independent Reading Practical Tips for Developing Fluency 5. Owning Comprehension Strategies Key Comprehension Strategies Summarization Teaching Strategies With Scaffolding To What Extent Should Strategies Be Incorporated? SMART Tasks Graphic Organizers Practical Tips for Owning Comprehension Strategies 6. Comprehending With Higher Levels of Thinking Higher Levels of Thinking Questioning Strategies More Questioning Techniques Higher Thinking With Graphic Organizers Align Instructional Resources Practical Tips for Higher-Level Thinking 7. Engaging Parents and Community in Literacy Learning Engaging Parents Educating Parents in Literacy Learning Engaging the Community Volunteers Service Learning Reflection on Improving Reading, Writing, and Content Learning Practical Tips for Engaging Parents and Community in Literacy Learning Resource A: Teacher Reflection Guide Resource B: Accountable Independent Reading Log Resource C: Book Talk Checklist References Index