The Common Core State Standards advocate more writing than previous standards; however, in taking a college and career readiness perspective, the Standards neglect to emphasize the role of context and culture in learning to write. We argue that sociocultural perspectives that pay attention to these factors offer insights into how to interpret and…

Canine-assisted reading programs show promise as an innovative method for engaging reluctant readers and motivating them to practice. In such programs, specially trained dogs visit classrooms and libraries, and children read to them. Children who struggle with reading may be motivated to read more because they find dogs to be calming and…

The purpose of this manuscript was to describe information about an animal-assisted therapy, specifically the Reading Education Assistance Dog (R.E.A.D.) program. In this manuscript I provide information about R.E.A.D. programs in general. Next, I share perspectives solicited from R.E.A.D. participants, specifically teachers, parents, students and…

Presents a review of approved states' proposed Reading First implementation plans. Notes the International Reading Association had three major areas of concern relating to the application process: selection of curriculum materials, selection of assessments, and determination of eligible professional development providers. Finds that interviews…

Identifies the characteristics of "lapreading" in parent-child dyads. Describes the authors' implementation of interactive storybook reading routines with kindergarten children, including the components of lapreading that emerged, and explains what they learned about the use of interactive storybook reading in kindergarten classrooms.…