We propose centering discussions of the science of reading around five values to increase the likelihood of bringing all students to high levels of literacy. These values are (1) collective responsibility, (2) equity through higher order thinking, (3) a rigorous system, (4) accountability with transparency, and (5) stability and sustainability.

Research in culturally responsive instruction (CRI) to improve literacy learning was explored through study of Hawaiian-focused charter schools. Building on work by Au, an indigenous framework reflecting the work of these schools was developed, highlighting five elements: (a) literacy in indigenous languages; (b) community connections; (c) a…

Elizabeth Dutro and Kathleen Collins have written a fascinating and broad-ranging review that captures the richness of perspectives and findings in elementary literacy research, based on an examination of roughly 7,700 titles published in NCTE journals. This daunting figure provides an indication of the productivity and extensive contributions of…

"Literacy Achievement and Diversity" is the indispensable collection to the wisdom of respected literacy researcher Kathy Au. In this timely book, Au addresses the question of what educators can do to close the literacy achievement gap. She begins by outlining theory and research and then provides practical strategies to help teachers improve the…

A great deal has been learned about how standards, assessment, and resources can be used in combination to make a difference for students, teachers, and schools. It is in this context that the authors make the case for a set of interrelated, research-based policy principles to support schools in improving students' literacy achievement through…

Every multicultural society has a language of power--the language spoken by members of the dominant group or groups--as well as languages that lack power because they are spoken by members of the subordinate group or groups. The ascension of one language over another has long been a source of controversy in Hawai'i, as it has in many parts of the…

Newspaper headlines from across the United States reflect the turmoil in public education today, with some states protesting federal requirements for testing, some states lowering proficiency requirements, other states raising proficiency requirements, and even kindergarten and preschool children facing higher academic expectations. These…

Notes that for children of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, schooling brings an immersion into a world not just unfamiliar but uncomfortable, in which rules governing participation may be in conflict with cultural values. Proposes that culturally responsive instruction brings students of diverse backgrounds to high levels of literacy…

Recommends a constructivist approach to reading instruction. Argues that (1) ownership is the overarching goal of the curriculum; (2) constructivist approaches improve word identification and higher-level thinking; (3) phonics instruction should be properly timed; (4) writing makes a significant contribution to children's learning of phonics; and…

A case study across 2 different elementary education settings examined (1) how well portfolios document literacy learning that is both authentic and aligned with curriculum; (2) teachers' ability to interpret and evaluate portfolio evidence from more than one site; and (3) what teachers learn about literacy instruction and assessment as a result…

Presents, in the form of a fictitious letter to a new teacher taking a graduate-level course, an essay that explores questions often raised by young teachers. Provides a set of principles for becoming a holistic, constructivist teacher. (SR)

Describes the broad territory covered by researchers whose work reflects various multicultural perspectives on literacy. Discusses four areas of literacy research that reflect these perspectives: critical analyses, cultural difference analyses, bilingual analyses, and literary analyses. Also discusses the foremost proponents of each perspective.…

Discusses three key groups of participants in the process of literacy education and research--teachers, students, and researchers--and issues of equity (notably the gap between achievement of students of diverse backgrounds and their mainstream peers). Focuses on changing definitions of literacy, literature, and instruction. Explores connections…

Literacy portfolios were studied in two different schools (Washington and Hawaii) with four teachers from each representing primary and intermediate grades. Results suggest that portfolios contained authentic artifacts of students' literacy experiences, although a substantial amount of evidence was judged to be missing from the portfolios. (SLD)

Evaluated whole-literacy curriculum's effects on literacy achievement among native Hawaiian students in grades K-6. Found that teachers entered curriculum project with proficiency in some areas of implementation, such as classroom organization, but required support in other areas, such as portfolio assessment. Also found that full implementation…