Argues that two barriers to literacy are the failure of teacher-education programs to adequately prepare reading specialists to work with language-minority learners and of education researchers to engage in more substantive research on English reading development for such students. Points out the barriers that exist within the literacy education…

Discusses how a literacy intervention program found success among struggling readers in prison. Describes "Turning a New Page," an unconditional literacy project that develops vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and self-esteem in the older, reluctant reader. Concludes that older, reluctant readers need motivation and respect in learning…

Studies how the Internet is used by adolescents. Considers how the union of reading and technology on the Internet is causing educators to take a new look at what it means to be literate in today's society. (SG)

Shares the authors' personal narratives attempting to shed light on the many paths there are to literacy, especially when the gifts and talents that diverse families bring to education are honored and respected by caring and trusting educators. Imparts how their families' hopes and dreams made a decided difference in their education, future…

Explores "fanfiction" (fiction written by fans of mass culture, such as "anime," Japanese animation) as a valid literacy practice in the context of the Multiliteracies framework. Strives to understand youth culture better and to make school literacy instruction more responsive to learners' needs. Discusses "Anime" as a source for fanfictions.…

Examines the kinds of framing and positioning issues that arise in service sites aimed at literacy learning. Looks at interactions between college students and the middle school students they tutored in after-school programs. Discusses the possibilities that arise when those who teach also serve. Argues that engaging in service learning with…

Presents one teacher's reflections on the interaction of the terrorist attacks with her personal and pedagogical value systems. Challenges teachers to reassess their priorities in light of historical events that have forced their way into the classroom. Considers the role of time and place in the practice of teaching. (SG)

Notes how the author has developed the Teaching and Learning Cues (TLC) approach, an offspring of textbook organizational patterns instruction that stresses the significance of certain words and phrases in reading. Concludes that with the TLC approach, students learn to appreciate the important role cue words and phrases play in understanding…

Recognizes a predominant pattern of elements for writers' workshop and categorizes these elements as the Seven C's: Climate, Choice of Literature, Communication, Coaching, Connection, Collaboration, and Chemistry. Elaborates on each "C." Concludes that after working cooperatively in a writers' workshop, the author was able to bring more meaningful…

Considers how a spiritual connection across age differences affects literacy education. Notes that the Bible is foremost among the texts adult basic literacy students want to read. Claims that being students of stories of faith and religion does not mean that educators become proselytizers or that they ignore the difference between public and…

Presents annotations of 13 young adult books available in Spanish on popular topics that will appeal to adolescents with different needs and aspirations. Includes fiction, social science, myths and folklore, science, history, and recreation books. (SG)

Describes the importance of understanding that engaged readers can make commitments or promises to understand other readers' perspectives of a text and their interests in using it. Describes how the author's demonstration lesson to a group of Kazakstan educators was transformed into a site for exploring the educators' practices for using a…

Discusses negotiating pop culture and other literacies in current-events discussions. Gives some implications for teachers and teacher educators. Concludes that effective, innovative and sensitive ways of encouraging ESL (English as a second language) students and reticent local students to bring elements of their home (pop) cultures, media, and…

Describes the goals and nature of school mathematics reform and the philosophy and nature of the constructivist classroom. Suggests that math teachers who are interested in creating reformed classrooms can look to constructivist theories of learning and content-area literacy theories and methods to provide the structure needed to make reform…

Examines the nature and effects of predominant understandings or formulations of the relationship between literacy and work. Evaluates what workplace literacy programs have typically been designed to do. Discusses possible ways for future programs to create real opportunities for all participants to be truly involved in the process of workplace…