In this article, the authors explore the concept of instructional scaffolding as it applies to facilitating students' reading comprehension. They argue that scaffolding is a highly flexible and adaptable model of instruction that supports students as they acquire both basic skills and higher order thinking processes, allows for explicit…

This research synthesis examines 21 content-analysis studies conducted between 1966 and 2003 that focused on Hispanic portrayal in children's books. Specifically, it looks at how the literature has evolved in terms of amount of representation, characters' roles, and stereotyping. Findings vary by book type, Hispanic subgroup, and comparative…

In an elementary-school professional development program, a group of primary teachers and a university consultant reviewed the research on morphemic analysis and then explored ways to give pupils in grades 1, 2, and 3 an early start on using prefixes, suffixes, and roots to construct word meaning. The teachers examined some middle-grade strategies…

Teachers are continually asked to do more with less time and fewer resources. As U.S. schools struggle to meet the guidelines established by the No Child Left Behind Act (2002), principals, teachers, reading specialists, and other support staff feel the pressure to increase achievement and show adequate yearly progress for all students. School…

In this year's Distinguished Educator department, we feature six educators whose research has focused on the role of early literacy in early childhood education. Each of the six addresses a vitally important aspect of early childhood literacy teaching and learning. Sections include: "Working with Families as Partners in Early Literacy," by Dorothy…

Shares some lesser known generalities and historical influences that have influenced the English spelling system. Argues that teachers can help students discover some of the patterns and complexities of English spelling and together explore the rich and fascinating story of how this printed language has developed and changed over time, thus…

Argues that the International Reading Association (IRA) has an important and key role to play in the current volatile United States government policy environment. Looks at perceptions of literacy failure. Discusses the Association's involvement with the Reading Excellence Act, and outlines what the Association must continue to do to assure that…

Outlines neoconservative, neoliberal, and liberal views of what works and what's good for children in reading education. Notes how each vies for the seminal role in defining the goals, means, and outcomes of reading education; but none discusses the complex social contexts of literacy learning and how unequal conditions in society might cause…

Outlines the clearest case of "de-skilling" to be found in education: the situation in California, where legislators and businessmen decide exactly how and with what methods and materials reading is to be taught, exactly what professional development activities are sanctioned and which shall not be mentioned, with this stamping out of outlawed…

Reports on the wide array of instructional resources created by teachers and students on the Internet as they envision new possibilities for literacy and learning, transform existing technologies to construct this vision, and share it with others. Describes central sites for Internet project descriptions, stories of teachers' journeys, exceptional…

Discusses technology and literacy, in particular the characteristics and qualities of hypertext. Seeks to communicate some of the experience of reading hypertext. Argues that the computer is much more than a new device for displaying textual information or for teaching children how to read and write. (SR)

Provides a broadened historical perspective on literacy instruction in Russia by focusing on the development of the Russian "bukvar," the first text typically placed in the hands of Russian children as they begin schooling. Discusses origins of the bukvar; religious, social, and cultural influences; pedagogical and scientific influences; and the…

Introduces, in four steps, the "How-Tos" of the process of inquiry. Illustrates the inquiry cycle with examples from the inquiries of two teachers, and notes that the inquiry process provides a structure for the process of thinking about teaching. (SR)

Discusses four areas of reading instruction that the author (a retired distinguished educator) believes have been neglected or misunderstood: Sylvia Ashton-Warner's Key Vocabulary, the Alphabetic Principle, transmogrification of spoken to written language, and individualized reading. (SR)

Describes the Motivation to Read Profile (MRP), which assesses children's self-concepts as readers and the value they see in reading. Discusses its development and offers suggestions for its use with elementary students. Includes the MRP. (SR)