This article presents the argument that consideration of non-European and nonalphabetic writing makes possible new understandings of literacy and, in addition, that contemporary literacy forms and practices can be fully understood only by expanding our historical perspective. The field of literacy research remains largely unaware of the multimodal…

Explores alternative conceptions of literacy that emphasize economic, historical, transnational, technological, and other expanded notions of literacy that the author believes hold much more potential for improving access to literacy in a multilingual world. Suggests that educators should consider all of the possibilities that dual-language…

Examines the language and literacy practices in two Mexican schools (two beginning primary classrooms and two grade 4 classrooms) over a period of approximately six months. Indicates that students were provided with considerable freedom in terms of their spoken language which contrasted greatly with the emphasis on form in the production of…

Sets up a dialogue on the topic of secondary reading interventions. Hopes to stimulate a conversation among diverse researchers and practitioners whose work would enable them to represent the best interests of a wide range of secondary students. Concludes with a redefining of secondary reading intervention. (SG)

Presents three short essays on how bilingual/ESL programs in literacy will change in the next millennium. Discusses particular future reading instruction practices in two-way bilingual programs; what literacy instruction would look like based on second-language theory and bilingual research; and pressing needs in the literacy education of…

Presents a conversation between four Latino/a researchers and professors dealing with the literacy learning and instruction of linguistically diverse students. Considers professional development and identity, representation in academe, assessment of linguistically diverse students, current movements in literacy instruction, teaching style/process…

Investigates the strategic literacy knowledge, abilities, and potential of five Latino/a subjects (three were bilingual). Employs qualitative research methods and cognitive strategy lessons. Finds that students, with instructional support, implemented the focal strategies emphasized during the experiment and engaged in extended discourse which…

Examines how bilingualism and biliteracy affect metacognition. Finds three strategies unique to successful Latina/o readers: (1) they actively transferred information across languages; (2) they translated from one language to another but most often from Spanish to English; and (3) they openly accessed cognate vocabulary when they read. (RS)