Offers a tentative definition of reading comprehension, based on contemporary work in psycholinguistics and cognitive psychology; invites response and criticism. (MKM)

Reviews recent reading research and points out several implications for classroom reading teachers. Uses T. C. Standal's descriptive model of reading as a framework in which to present the research. (FL)

Argues that the mystery surrounding comprehension development can be dispelled by an understanding of schema theory and linguistic theory and especially by an understanding of W. Kintsch's model of comprehension, which draws from those bodies of theory. Describes teaching methods based upon Kintsch's model. (FL)

Multigenre texts are a recent trend in children's books. These types of books can enhance students' comprehension and provide models of various types of writing genres. They can be used in differentiating instruction and increasing fluency when transformed into readers' theater texts. Many examples of multigenre books are provided in this article.

Describes the four steps of critical reading adapted to the model of reading proposed by W. S. Gray: (1) the perception of the connotative power of words, (2) the comprehension of persuasive language, (3) the reaction of judgment, and (4) the integration of monitoring devices. (FL)

Shows how older, largely context-free models of reading and its instruction became changed into a multidimensional, context-dependent orientation toward written language and the reading process and concludes with suggestions for using a variety of contextual strategies to increase reading comprehension. (HOD)