This article makes a case for devoting time to independent reading and then describes the "Book Bistro," a strategy for promoting independent reading. Research concerning adolescents and reading is reviewed, followed by detailed instructions for implementing Book Bistro and advice from teachers. In Book Bistro, adolescent students are invited once…

By drawing upon numerous real-world experiences with reluctant writers, the author illustrates how tapping their interests can lead to improved writing skills and attitudes toward writing. The critical link between identity and writing is emphasized. Though the experiences in this article are drawn from the author's work with basic writers at the…

The author acknowledges that there is often a gap in how and for what ends technology is used--a gap between some students and their teachers and a gap among different groups of students. What is less obvious is the nature of these gaps in terms of literacy practices. He then asks, "Could we be missing ways to connect with our students and help…

The author found that the reading program at her school did not address the needs of struggling readers and that reading teachers lacked the materials and knowledge needed to make improvements. As part of an action research project, she redesigned the reading program and introduced her colleagues to research-based teaching methods. The author…

"EFF HOT (Highlights on Teaching Topics) Topics" is a publication of the EFF (Equipped for the Future) Center for Training and Technical Assistance. Each issue concentrates on a specific topic, highlighting examples of actual practice and offering strategies and tools for using EFF in the classroom. This issue of "HOT Topics" introduces a ten-step…

In 1994, when the researchers conducted the research that lay the foundation for Equipped for the Future (EFF), adult learners told them that building and maintaining a strong family was a powerful motivator for their return to school. They wanted to set a good example for their children--to show them that getting an education was important. They…

This December 2002 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) Literacy Identified as Key Learning Priority at National Innovation Summit!; (2) Canadian Learning Institute Announced at Innovation Summit; (3) National Literacy Organizations Join Together to Call for a Pan-Canadian Literacy Strategy; (4) Literacy Best…

This January 2002 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) The Skills and Learning Agenda; (2) Budget 2001; (3) Coming Soon: Green Paper on Skills and Learning; and (4) Ensuring a Strong Response from the Literacy Community.

This February 2002 issue of "Federal Literacy Facts" contains the following sections: (1) Skills and Learning Discussion Paper Released: What you need to know!; (2) Knowledge Matters: A Section-by-Section Review; (3) The Government Plan - What's Next?; and (4) MCL's Action Plan--What's Next? (Contains 11 footnotes.)

Argues that the National Reading Panel is too narrow in its presentation of scientifically valid reading research. Presents a sample of practices that enjoy support but were ignored by the panel and qualitative research that was out of bounds because of the methodological guidelines of the panel. Concludes that most of the cutting edge of the…

Discusses the importance of keeping adolescents' interests and needs foremost in mind when designing literacy instruction at the middle and high school level. Argues that effective adolescent literacy instruction must address issues of self-efficacy and student engagement with a variety of texts in diverse settings. Contends it must also attend to…

Describes a study in which collaborative writing among 40 mothers and their second grade children was observed, and maternal beliefs on spelling were extracted from interviews. Finds low socioeconomic status children had more spelling errors and discussed spelling with their mothers more frequently than high socioeconomic status children. Finds…

Presents an interpretive text which functions as a report of the author's personal engagements with literary fiction and with philosophical, theoretical, and historical writings. Provides a theoretical and historical overview of literary anthropology as a research method. Concludes with a discussion of what literacy anthropological methods might…

Describes the features of the first grade texts included in basal readers used for beginning reading instruction in Texas in 2000. Investigates the general features of student texts with respect to the instructional design of the text, the accessibility of the text for beginning readers, and the engaging qualities of the text. Suggests that policy…

Notes that many phonological terms are found in contemporary literature on reading, and some inconsistencies are apparent in how they are used and understood. Presents definitions of many of these important words and several dozen related terms (for a total of 51 terms). Emphasizes the historical and conceptual links between similar terms, because…