The understanding of "what works" in reading is dynamic and fluid, subject to ongoing review and assessment through serious research. While there are no easy answers or quick solutions for optimizing reading achievement, an extensive knowledge base now exists to show people the skills children must learn in order to read well. This guide, designed by teachers for teachers, begins the process of compiling the findings from scientifically based research in reading instruction, a body of knowledge that will continue to grow over time. The guide, designed by teachers for teachers, summarizes what researchers have discovered about how to successfully teach children to read. It describes the findings of the National Reading Panel Report and provides analysis and discussion in five areas of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Each section of the guide defines the skill; reviews the evidence from research; suggests implications for classroom instruction; describes proven strategies for teaching reading skills; and addresses frequently raised questions. (NKA)