This handbook presents brief descriptions of various aspects of reading instruction and related lesson plans and class activities. Sections of the handbook discuss reading readiness, word recognition, word analysis; word meaning, comprehension, and content area reading. The handbook also offers brief biographies of Jeanne Chall, Theodore William…

Every child deserves excellent reading teachers because teachers make a difference in children's reading achievement and motivation to read. This position statement provides a research-based description of the distinguishing qualities of excellent classroom reading teachers. Excellent reading teachers share several critical qualities of knowledge…

A study investigated the comparative effectiveness of videotape protocols and role-play simulations as procedures for eliciting designated teacher competencies. Results indicate that the videotape protocol treatment was the superior procedure for teaching specific behaviors to preservice teachers in a field-based reading practicum. (CJ)

Presents a checklist that principals can use during classroom observation that provides objective information that can be discussed with teachers later. (MKM)

Describes informal interviews conducted with 35 high school students in New York City to determine the relationship between their reading experiences and the gap in skills between white and minority students. Reviews seven patterns of minority students' reading experiences. Finds low teacher expectations for student reading among all students. (17…

Reports on a study of preferred reading instruction approaches among 121 British reading teachers. Finds that most do not use a single approach, but a blend of approaches determined by individual differences. Maintains that most perceive their role as encouraging students to enjoy reading. (CFR)

Assesses preservice teachers, student teachers, and cooperating teachers on their understanding of the foundations and applications of reading instruction. Concludes that extended, interactive periods of reading interventions and discussions combined with authentic reading experiences with children from diverse cultural backgrounds may increase…

Finds that K-12 literacy professionals: (1) read journal articles and books more often than research journals or electronic sources; (2) believe in collaborative experiences among teachers; (3) are interested in becoming teacher researchers; (4) feel book clubs are valuable; (5) do not want portfolio assessment to replace other forms; and (6) feel…

The Reading Success Network (RSN) is a model for improving literacy schoolwide through peer coaching, ongoing assessments of children's learning, using data to inform teaching, specific instructional strategies, and a support network of RSN schools. Federally funded regional centers across the country provide on-site professional learning for…

A study compared the philosophies developed in undergraduate methods courses with philosophies influenced by example under a cooperating teacher in an elementary school classroom. Subjects for the first part of the study were 14 undergraduate students enrolled in a methods course. The subjects for the second part of the study were 12 students who…

Originally developed for the Department of Defense Schools (DoDDS) system, this learning package on developing a decision-making plan for the reading teacher is designed for teachers who wish to upgrade or expand their teaching skills on their own. The package includes a comprehensive search of the ERIC database; a lecture giving an overview on…

Many schools expect teachers to act as curriculum clerks, carrying out decisions about subject matter and classroom management. A promising new metaphor for professional educators is that of teacher as explorer, the leader of an expedition into unfamiliar territory. The image of explorer changes the perspective on teaching goals and roles and…

A great deal can be taught using the newspaper because this medium contains a variety of information in a number of differing formats. Straight news and sports stories can be used to teach or reinforce the skills of attending to detail, comparing and contrasting, categorizing, determining the main idea, understanding vocabulary, sequencing,…

Articles in this yearbook address the problems associated with how reading research informs practice. Articles, listed with their authors, are as follows: (1) "Reading Research into Policy and Practice: Practitioner's Viewpoint" (Deborah L. Thompson); (2) "Michigan's Reading Program: A Decade of Change" (Elaine M. Weber); (3)…

Teachers working with at-risk students must instill in their students the motivation and desire to read. At-risk readers do not value reading in the same way their teachers do. Teachers should strive to make the reading experience one that is relevant to the student both at their present reading level and when their ability to read has improved.…