The past decade saw heightened policy activism in the field of reading at both the federal level and across virtually all 50 states. Initially sparked by disagreements about methods for teaching children to read, the so-called "reading wars" stirred heated debates on a variety of issues: levels and trends of reading achievement, pedagogy, standards and assessment, and education equity, among others. Embedded within these debates were the political agendas of state executives and legislatures, the interests of advocacy groups, and the ideologies of reading professionals, which were collectively shaping state reading policy development. Drawing primarily on interviews with 366 policy actors from nine states, this book presents a comprehensive investigation of the state reading policy domain employing multiple theoretical frameworks and research methods. Using social network analysis, the authors examined the interplay among a plethora of policy actors embedded in reading policy networks. They explored in depth policy actors' divergent beliefs on key reading-related issues, the causal stories told, and the policy solutions proposed. In addition, they examined the variety of lobbying tactics that interest groups utilized to gain influence over the policymaking process and to advance their policy agenda. As the most significant research endeavor in the area of state reading policy to date, this cross-state comparative study sheds light on the multifaceted nature and the intricacies of the policy processes in reading, and in education in general. The findings of this study bear important implications for both policy actors and education professionals. This study also makes a substantial contribution to policy research in education by demonstrating how theoretical frameworks and analytic methods that have not been fully utilized in education could serve as powerful tools for exploring educational policy processes.

Happy Trails Grammar is a two-level grammar course that has been designed to meet the needs of pupils in junior classes. Happy Trails 1 Grammar accompanies Happy Trails 1 Pupil's Book, but it can also be used with any other Junior A course. Full-colour pages with lively illustrations and captivating National Geographic photography will motivate students.

The Spelling Made Easy series is a week by week manual for primary and special needs teachers of reading and spelling. Based on phonic word family lists these established best sellers cover Key Stages 1 and 2. This is the introductory level textbook.

In Intentional from the Start: Guiding Emergent Readers in Small Groups, Carolyn Helmers and Susan Vincent take a concentrated look at the often-underestimated reading and writing work that occurs during the emergent reading stages of literacy development (PreA-D) and the seemingly simplistic books we use to teach them in small-group guided reading. Though both may appear unsophisticated, these earliest readers and the texts we use to meet their needs are each unique and full of nuances that generally go overlooked. The authors explore how emergent readers learn best and position text levels appropriately in the service of students. They also turn their attention to a comprehensive exploration of the particular needs of emergent readers and how the work they do at text levels PreA-D lays a critical foundation necessary for them to continue growing successfully into text levels E and beyond. As they examine the needs of learners working at each emergent text level individually, Carolyn and Susan: Detail the specific demands the books in that text level require and how to best coach young readers working through them. Highlight instructional procedures for reading, writing, and word study that can be put to use immediately at your small group table. Suggest optimal schedules, techniques, and formats for efficient instruction at that level. Unpack the book characteristics specific to that level and demonstrate ways to capitalize on them to intentionally support emergent readers and writers. With plenty of useful classroom examples, as well as additional online resources with literacy center ideas that correlate directly with the work students are doing at particular levels, this book is a resource your emergent reading teacher heart will reach for again and again.

From the creator of the hugely popular Vocabulary Ninja comes an essential handbook of strategies and photocopiable resources to supercharge primary pupils and transform them into little comprehension ninjas! Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11 presents 24 high-quality non-fiction texts and photocopiable activities with strong links to the National Curriculum to help embed reading skills in the primary classroom. With accompanying question sets that challenge pupils to effectively skim, scan and retrieve information and improve subject knowledge, this practical guide features theory and teaching approaches that can be applied to any curriculum area. As well as improving their comprehension skills, Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11 provides excellent SATs practice for every child and covers topics from obesity and diabetes to Barack Obama and The Shard. If you're searching for an exciting way to bring comprehension more firmly into your primary setting using strategies and question types such as true or false, labelling, matching, highlighting, filling in the gap, sequencing and multiple choice, look no further than Comprehension Ninja for Ages 10-11.

This new edition of Nelson English provides an integrated approach to teaching the core literacy skills at primary level; comprehension, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary. Each unit focuses on a different text from a wide range of genres, including both fiction and non-fiction. The programme provides embedded assessment support and regular opportunities to practise and consolidate learning.

Paul provides specific tools that parents can work with to make their children lifelong lovers of reading and writing. As a former teacher in the public school system, Paul is well acquainted with it, and provides parents with insights that will assist them in establishing an educational partnership with their children's teachers.

This guide is geared specifically to Black children from the perspective of an educator and parent. It provides a historical framework that gives a firm foundation upon which to build an understanding of literacy as potentially emancipatory and empowering. This guide includes an annotated bibliography featuring exemplary children's and adolescent literature.

Help your child practise core grammar and punctuation skills, fill gaps in learning and boost their confidence. This Pearson Grammar & Punctuation Activity Workbook provides the tools to support your child's grammar and punctuation skills development at home. Using our years of experience designing literacy schemes proven to work in schools, we have created this series of activity workbooks to boost your child's confidence as they work through a series of engaging activities to build essential grammar and punctuation skills. There are six books spanning years 1-6 to support your child as they progress through school. Each Grammar & Punctuation Activity Workbook introduces age-appropriate techniques for you to support your child as they work through the activities. With helpful hints, tips and guidance we break down the concepts and help you track your child's progress. The workbooks are created by experts with a child-friendly design with the following features and guides: A comprehensive topic planner Tackling common misconceptions Tips and prompts, specific to the content as well as engagement techniques How to apply grammar and punctuation skills Extend and stretch activities for children who have easily grasped a topic Motivating ideas and suggestions for children that might be struggling Consistent progress checks throughout the book Also available to accompany the series are Pearson Handwriting Activity Workbooks for Years 1-6.