This article describes a literacy methods course designed to introduce reading specialist candidates to research-based practices for comprehension instruction. Specifically, this article focuses on a sequence of assignments and class sessions within that course that introduced theoretical perspectives about comprehension processes and how those…

Discussions regarding how to embed culturally relevant and responsive literacy learning towards more socially just and equitable classrooms have prompted the need for additional research. This sequential exploratory mixed-methods study explores (a) 288 literacy teachers' perceptions of their abilities to address issues of bias, equity, and…

This essay challenges whether or not the use of district money for Reading Recovery© (RR) instruction is an effective expenditure of funds that results in sustained improvement in student reading outcomes. As a Tier 3 intervention, RR provides expensive, one-on-one tutoring for first- and second-grade readers that is occupying an increasingly…

The purpose of this study was to examine moment-by-moment fluctuations in text comprehension processing and determine how and when poor and good comprehenders differ. To do so, we reanalyzed a dataset of think-aloud protocols from 138 intermediate elementary students. Both good and poor comprehenders used a variety of processing strategies when…

This qualitative study investigated high school reading programs and participants focusing on the insider perspectives of teachers and their students. The study occurred in two sites, one in a Southern state and the other in an Eastern state. The participants, five high school reading teachers and two to three students in each of their reading…

This study examined how U.S., Finnish, and Irish educators identified and supported struggling readers. Using Johnston's (2011) framework for evaluating reading interventions and activity theory (Engeström, 1999), we interviewed educators in four U.S., three Irish, and three Finnish schools. In the United States, the adoption of three…

This study examined one tutor's evolving use of particular talk moves during comprehension strategies instruction in a university-based clinical setting. Through engaging in audiotape reflection and transcript analysis with a coach, the tutor made shifts toward more explicit and purposeful strategies instruction, yet did not consistently…

Can you teach another person to read? For readers, this may seem a redundant and unnecessary question. However, it is a perfectly logical query and one that is much more profound than one might imagine. Most reading teachers have had the experience of nurturing and guiding a young person from infancy as a reader through maturity with the printed…

Presents a 50-year-old article by Arthur Gates who was a prominent reading educator of the last century. Notes that he had a profound effect on many aspects of classroom literacy instruction. Speaks to all teachers about what is really important in the teaching of reading. Considers what is involved and what is essential in teaching reading.…

Explores innovations that will make possible expanded roles for reading educators, presents ways reading professionals might enhance their chances of gaining alternative employment, and cites six areas in which employment opportunities are growing. (FL)

Surveys reading teachers to determine their opinions of reading courses they had taken at the undergraduate level. Reports that "how to plan a reading lesson" was the most helpful topic covered in such courses and that the topic most needed to be covered is "how to organize and manage reading instruction." (FL)

Investigates the reading orientation of teachers who instruct students with special needs by using the Theoretical Orientation in Reading Profile. Finds that teachers in the study were not strongly associated with any one theoretical orientation but tended to be eclectic. Finds also that the teachers clustered primarily into two orientations:…

Introduces Nicholas Silvaroli, founder and Program Coordinator of the Reading Program at Arizona State University. Discusses what he believes to be critical issues of concern to all of us, including the quality of tomorrow's teachers and recent trends in reading instruction. (JK)

Indicates that teachers who possessed theoretical and situational knowledge of reading were not more accurate than other teachers in estimating the readability levels of selected passages, and that the accuracy with which teachers estimated the readability levels of passages decreased as the readability levels of the passages increased. (FL)

Transcribes an interview with Ira E. Aaron, who discusses how he moved from journalism to reading education, the changes he would like to make in doctoral programs in reading, the preparation of reading teachers, the importance of children's literature, and the misplaced emphasis on research and publication over teaching. (RS)