Even students who are successful readers and writers in the early grades can struggle with demanding texts and writing assignments in secondary schools. But with the leadership plan and action steps in this book, you can continue to build on students' literacy skills and intervene with students who falter. Explore ways to connect literacy…

Describes the implementation of a version of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR), called the DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) program, throughout their school. Presents their experience with the program in the KWL format (what we KNOW, what we WANTED to know, and what we LEARNED). Provides a bibliography of 12 young adult short stories used in the…

Supports ideas for implementing John H. Ritter's "Choosing Up Sides" and "Over the Wall" as touchstone texts in a middle school language arts program. Discusses these two novels and the use and power of metaphors. Reveals literary connections made by young adolescent readers and writers strengthening overall comprehension, synthesis and analysis…

Investigates the use of faculty book clubs as a way to introduce middle school teachers to acclaimed adolescent literature in hopes that they might incorporate the literature read into their language arts and social studies classes. Finds that such clubs are an excellent way to provide staff development in the area of adolescent literature for…

Discussion of literature-based reading programs focuses on a study that investigated the elementary school library media specialist's roles as information specialist, teacher, and instructional consultant during the implementation of a literature-based reading program. Recommendations are offered regarding parents' roles, material selection, and…