For future literacy teachers just beginning their professional education, nothing's more important than the first core text that builds their foundation for classroom success. That's why every preservice teacher should start with this introductory reading textbook, ideal for teaching fundamental literacy skills to students in pre-K-Grade 6. Based on cutting-edge research, best practices, and the newest professional standards, this core literacy textbook is a must for tomorrow's teachers because it: (1) Focuses on pre-K-Grade 6; (2) Covers every key element of reading; (3) Fully explains the new Common Core State Standards; (4) Highlights best assessment practices; (5) Weaves RTI guidance throughout; (6) Includes contributions from highly respected experts; (7) Advances differentiated instruction and inclusion; (8) Prepares educators for the real world of teaching; and (9) Examines current legislation. Contents include: (1) Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher: Introduction (Martha C. Hougen); (2) The Critical Components of Effective Reading Instruction (Martha C. Hougen); (3) Oral Language and Listening Skill Development in Early Childhood (Christie L. Cavanaugh); (4) Phonological Awareness: A Critical Foundation for Beginning Reading (Stephanie Al Otaiba & Martha C. Hougen); (5) Effective Phonics Instruction (Martha C. Hougen); (6) Beginning Handwriting, Spelling, and Composition Instruction (Suzanne Carreker; (7) The Common Core State Standards and Text Complexity (Elfrieda H. Hiebert); (8) Fluency Instruction (Jan Hasbrouck & Martha C. Hougen); (9) What Is Important to Know About Words of Written Language (Elfrieda H. Hiebert); (10) A Comprehensive, Interactive Approach to Vocabulary Development (Martha C. Hougen & Susan M. Ebbers); (11) Comprehension, Grades K-3 (Darcy Dycha); (12) Comprehension, Grades 4-6 (Stephen Ciullo & Colleen Klein Reutebuch); (13) Strategic, Meaningful, and Effective Writing Instruction for Elementary Students (Natalie G. Olinghouse & Joshua Wilson); (14) Disciplinary Literacy (Kristie Hotchkiss & Susan M. Smartt); (15) Current Laws, Policies, Initiatives, Common Core State Standards, and Response to Intervention (Susan M. Smartt); (16) Putting It All Together: Becoming an Effective Literacy Teacher (Martha C. Hougen & Heather Haynes); and (17) Ten Tips to Becoming an Effective Teacher (Martha C. Hougen & Susan M. Smartt). Appended are: (1) "Recipe" for a Sticky Board; (2) Say It and Move It Card; (3) Helpful Web Sites; (4) Lesson Plan Template; and (5) Glossary.