Marzano offers a brief review of research in vocabulary instruction, focusing on the concept of "tiers" to describe words used with different contexts and purposes. He then suggests teaching tools that may work to help specific student populations learn and retain those words across the K-12 curriculum.

The authors outline a research study that explores the plight of students who direct so much effort into decoding that comprehension suffers. They make the case that difficulties in reading for older readers (intermediate, middle, and high school) could be due to reading fluency difficulties, and they offer strategies for helping these students…

In this article, the authors discuss how Louise Rosenblatt's work influenced many teachers' teaching and learning practices. Rosenblatt was known for helping readers find their rightful place in the act of reading. Louise argued in the 1930s (and steadfastly maintained until her recent death) that the act of reading was a dynamic transaction…

It's not enough to present students with multicultural literature. The potential impact of such literature stems from honest and deep discussion, and that can only take place in a room where respectful, trusting relationships have been built. The author offers principles and strategies for establishing those relationships, nurturing those…

Discusses the merits of three familiar classroom tools: overheads, whiteboards, and television monitors. Notes that each of these different tools offers a different means by which to introduce ideas and information, illustrate connections, and organize information. Concludes that using resources is important in the light of cutbacks many teachers…

Explains a shift in reading instruction theories, from defining reading as a set of discrete skills to understanding the role prior knowledge plays in comprehension. Presents annotations of 11 web sites that give teachers ideas about how to help students construct meaning and how to transact with text in powerful ways. Notes that these strategies…

Argues there is a problem with how California local school boards and district administration interpret curriculum and instruction in terms of their role in the evaluation of schools, teachers, and students. Notes that the California Teachers Association proposed legislation that would allow teachers to negotiate their role in decision-making…

Provides an annotated list of 12 web sites to turn to for information concerning the ramifications of high-stakes testing. (SG)

Describes events of the Maine Writing Project Summer Institute. Notes that what happened in this past summer's institute can serve as a model for the ways poetry can be integrated throughout educators' work with students and throughout the lives of educators. (SG)

Discusses how the technology of alphabetic writing is the first technology to "blame" for students' spelling problems. Considers the use of computers and spell checkers in dealing with spelling issues. Lists 10 Web sites that address spelling reform; research on spelling; and spelling lists, tests, tips, and games. (SG)

Argues that, taught in the context of writing, grammar can enhance and improve students' writing. Offers classroom examples showing how: good preparation for writing fosters good grammar and detail; students can use grammatical and syntactic constructions used by professional authors as models for their own writing; and how to help students learn…

Notes and discusses resources on the World Wide Web that deal with grammar and that may be useful to teachers. Lists traditional grammar websites, including online handbooks and style guides, but warns that the isolated teaching of grammar has little impact on student writing. Concludes that websites are needed that actually show teachers how to…

Describes how the author's life has been one long adventure with language, and how the distinction between reading and writing blurs into a continuum of words, images, and ideas. Describes his first ventures towards reading, which began by engaging in the spoken word with his mother. Describes his writing processes, and the six-part story form he…

Discusses six books intended to help teachers reach struggling readers: books that outline strategy instruction, offer a wealth of information, and show how to create instructional sequences and activities that will develop and enhance the conceptual, procedural, and textual knowledge of students. (SR)

Presents 54 thank you letters written by authors (of children's literature, young adult literature, and professional texts) to classroom teachers, from the shadow of the events of September 11th, 2001, offering their thanks for teachers' efforts to face those events with children, offering their personal thoughts about the events, or their…