This lucidly written book provides a concise conceptual map to guide preservice and inservice teachers through the often-confusing terrain of reading instruction. Distinguished researcher and former classroom teacher Mark Sadoski describes the essential concepts and methods of the field and summarizes key research findings and historical developments. The main competency areas in reading are explained, and widely used approaches to building these competencies are reviewed. Aided by quick-reference tables and other illustrations, readers gain a systematic framework to help them demystify the jargon of the field; organize their knowledge about curriculum and instruction; and implement well-thought-through practices in the K-6 classroom and beyond. Following a preface, this book presents the following chapters: (1) Introduction, Background, and Structure of This Book; (2) A Brief History of Teaching Reading; (3) Why? The Goals of Teaching Reading; (4) What? The Fundamental Competencies of Reading; (5) How? I: Basic Teaching and Learning Approaches; (6) How? II: A Map of the Territory; (7) How? III: Exemplars of a Balanced Approach; and (8) How Well? The Status of Reading Achievement and Its Teaching.