Discusses the role of decoding in the framework of reading research and current instructional issues. Emphasizes the importance of decoding as part of the reading and language arts curriculum. Provides instructional implications. Suggests that, although many children learn to read without difficulty using literature-based approaches, many children…

Suggests that students in upper elementary grades and high schools may benefit from extended decoding and spelling instruction, requiring strategies going well beyond phonics. Asserts that learning about morphological structure may provide the strategies needed to decode and spell multisyllabic words. Reviews literature providing a rationale for…