This work offers parents, educators, and librarians a practical guide to discovering the ways gender identities are constructed through literacy practices, providing recommendations for addressing gender inequities in schools and in the community at large. Gender and Literacy: A Handbook for Educators and Parents focuses on issues related to the gendered experience of students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, promoting an understanding that the issues surrounding gender cannot be reduced to broad generalizations. Author Karen A. Krasny seeks to make clear the complex notion of gender construction within the context of redefining what constitutes legitimate literacy practices in schools. This handbook will help to guide educators, parents, and librarians by assisting them in the selection and evaluation of print and media resources. The first chapter explains the need to understand the complex relationship between gender and literacy. The bulk of the book provides readers with a critical review of the studies conducted to investigate gendered literacy practices, while the last three chapters focus on actionable strategies and policy making.

The ways in which the African American community learned to be proficient readers and writers during the 19th century were diverse, however, the greatest impact on literacy acquisition came from family and community efforts. African American arts, churches, benevolent societies, newspapers, literacy societies, and formal and informal schools supported literacy growth, and literacy growth in turn gave rise to national and international African American literacy traditions. The underlying motivations that gave shape to the nature of their literacy behaviors and events within family and community contexts and within national and global context are examined in detail here. The beginnings of African American literacy traditions would have failed had there not been intrinsic motivations, opportunities, and a need to use all of the language arts, reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing to maintain and protect what mattered most to them as a people. The institutionalization of these traditions into family and community rituals, including songs, prayers, letters, story telling, and the like gave a visibility to the African American in ways no other cultural knowledge could. Belt-Beyan traces the development of these literacy traditions, noting the parallel progression and transformation of Africans into African Americans, slaves into freepersons, and noncitizens into citizens.

The history of Singapore has been widely conflated with the history of its economic success. From its heyday as a nexus of trade during the imperial era to the modern city state that boasts high living standards for most of its citizens, the history of Singapore is commonly viewed through the lens of the ruling elite. Published in two volumes in 1998 and 2000, Lee Kuan Yew's memoirs The Singapore Story epitomizes this top-down definitive narrative of the nation's past. The history of post-war Singapore has largely been reduced to a series of decisions made by the nation's leaders. Few existing studies explore the role and experiences of the ordinary person in Singapore's post-war history. There are none that do this through ethnography, oral history, and collective biography. In a critical study that has no parallel among existing works on Singapore history, this book dispenses with the homogenous historical experience that is commonly presumed in the writing of Singapore's national past after 1945 and explores how the enforcement of a uniform language policy by the Singapore government for cultural and economic purposes has created underappreciated social and economic divides among the Chinese of Singapore both between and within families. It also demonstrates how mapping distinct economic, linguistic, and cultural cleavages within Singaporean Chinese society can add new and critical dimensions to understanding the nation's past and present. Chief among these, the author argues, are the processes behind the creation and entrenchment of class structures in the city state, such as the increasing value of English as a form of opportunity-generating capital.

This volume explores the significance of literacy for everyday life in the ancient world. It focuses on the use of writing and written materials, the circumstances of their use, and different types of users. The broad geographic and chronologic frame of reference includes many kinds of written materials, from Pharaonic Egypt and ancient China through the early middle ages, yet a focus is placed on the Roman Empire.

As colleges and universities have responded to the demand of businesses and industries for graduates who can write effectively, Composition Studies has gained significance. However, while new theories and approaches to the teaching of writing have been proposed and implemented, many composition courses do not satisfactorily educate their students. This volume includes essays by writing specialists who are concerned with their own failure to improve their students' writing skills.

These contributors examine why entering college students still write poorly and why our various attempts to improve such poor writing skills have largely failed. They compare the promise of previously touted new methods, paradigm shifts, and curricular innovations with the reality of little change or improvement; they describe what their students can and cannot do in the writing classroom, even after 12 years of primary and secondary education; and they address what they see as needed reforms in the whole idea of college composition, especially for the first-year college student.

This volume presents effective instructional programs focused on two perspectives on writing: the teaching and learning of writing as a skill and the use of writing as a learning activity in various school subjects or skills acquisition. It is focused on analysing micro-design features of the programs (such as learning activities, supporting materials, specific strategies, instructional techniques) but also, macro-design rules of intervention programs (such as, instructional sequence, instructional stages) based on research evidence provided for previous studies. This volume goes beyond a practical volume because it provides additional reflection and discussion about theoretical background and empirically based evidence which support the specific intervention programs described. Several chapters in this book include links to an Open Access e-book where teacher and student materials for the authors' instructional approaches can be found (see ToC).

This edited book focuses on affordances and limitations of e-books for early language and literacy, features and design of e-books for early language and literacy, print versus e-books in early language and literacy development, and uses of and guidelines for how to use e-books in school and home literacy practices. Uniquely, this book includes critical reviews of diverse aspects of e-books (e.g., features) and e-book uses (e.g., independent reading) for early literacy as well as multiple examinations of e-books in home and school contexts using a variety of research methods and/or theoretical frames. The studies of children's engagement with diverse types of e-books in different social contexts provide readers with a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of this topic. Research has demonstrated that ever-increasing numbers of children use digital devices as part of their daily routine. Yet, despite children's frequent use of e-books from an early age, there is a limited understanding regarding how those e-books are actually being used at home and school. As more e-books become available, it is important to examine the educational benefits and limitations of different types of e-books for children. So far, studies on the topic have presented inconsistent findings regarding potential benefits and limitations of e-books for early literacy activities (e.g., independent reading, shared reading). The studies in this book aim to fill such gaps in the literature.

Media and Information Literacy: An Integrated Approach for the 21st Century provides a novel rationale for the integration of media and information literacy and gives direction to contemporary media and information literacy education. The book takes a synthetic approach to these two areas, presenting critical histories of both. The book explores the influence of political forces and educational practice on media literacy and the contemporary media environment, focusing on computing and mobile technology as a platform for existing and non-computational media. The final section considers a new rationale for the adjustment of content and activities into a combined project, building on a range of skills from contemporary media, reconsidering the mission of media literacy, and advocating that media and information literacy be expanded out of the classroom and positioned as a 'public pedagogy'.

This book is based on the power of stories to support children in all areas of their lives. It examines the role narratives can play in encouraging growth in contexts and domains such as personal and family identity, creative movement, memory and self-concept, social relationships, or developing a sense of humor. Each chapter describes innovative and research-based applications of narratives such as movement stories, visual narratives to develop historical thinking, multimodal storytelling, bibliotherapy, mathematics stories, family stories, and social narratives. The chapters elaborate on the strength of narratives in supporting the whole child in diverse contexts from young children on the autism spectrum improving their social skills at school, to four- and five-year-olds developing historical thinking, to children who are refugees or asylum-seekers dealing with uncertainty and loss. Written by accomplished teachers, researchers, specialists, teaching artists and teacher educators from several countries and backgrounds, the book fills a gap in the literature on narratives. "...this work delves into the topic of narratives in young children's lives with a breadth of topics and depth of study not found elsewhere." "Collectively, the insights of the contributors build a convincing case for emphasizing story across the various disciplines and developmental domains of the early childhood years." "The writing style is scholarly, yet accessible. Authors used a wide array of visual material to make their points clearer and show the reader what meaningful uses of story "look like"." Mary Renck Jalongo, Journal and Book Series Editor Springer Indiana, PA, USA

Eight of the thirteen chapters describe investigations of adults' literacy skills based on analyses of the National Adult Literacy Survey. The studies describe how work contributes to literacy, associations between literacy skills and reading practices, reciprocal effects of education and literacy, gender differences in literacy abilities, the relationship between literacy and voting behavior, the literacy skills of adults having one or more learning disabilities, and the construct validity of the NALS. One chapter summarizes the major findings of the NALS and another discusses federal educational policies that shaped the NALS. Two additional chapters describe research programs pertaining to dimensions of literacy that are significant to a more comprehensive understanding of literacy in the United States: family literacy education and health care. The National Adult Literacy Survey has provided literacy researchers and practitioners with a wealth of knowledge about American adults' literacy proficiencies. Literacy for the 21st Century was developed with the idea that the NALS contains useful information to inform public educational policy, suggest new directions for literacy research, and assist in adult literacy education program development. The ideas presented in this book should enable policymakers, social leaders, and educators to more fully consider national assessment data, thereby prompting actions necessary to enable all citizens to achieve greater opportunities in their work and lives.

When researchers in computer-mediated communications discuss digital textuality, they rarely venture beyond the now commonplace notion that computer textuality embodies contemporary post-structuralist theories. Written for students and faculty of contemporary literature and composition theories, this book is the first to move from general to specific considerations. Advancing from general considerations of how computers are changing literacy, Digital Fictions moves on to a specific consideration of how computers are altering one particular set of literature practices: reading and writing fiction. Suffused through the sensibility of a creative writer, this book includes an historical overview of writing stories on computers. In addition, Sloane conducts interviews with the makers of hypertext fictions (including Stuart Moulthrop, Michael Joyce, and Carolyn Guyer) and offers close reading of digital fictions. Making careful analyses of the meaning-making activities of both readers and writers of this emerging genre, this work is embedded in a perspective both feminist and semiotic. Digital Fictions explores and distinguishes among four distinct iterations of text-based digital fictions; text adventures, Carnegie Mellon University Oz Project, hypertext fictions, and MUDs. Ultimately, Sloane revises the rhetorical triangle and proposes a new rhetorical theory, one that attends to the materials, processes, and locations of stories told on-line.

This unique book describes literacy programs that take place in contemporary workplaces and explores their consequences for the employees (especially the managers), the organizations, and society as a whole. Employing a critical sociological perspective, Boyle argues that literacy education in the workplace has as much to do with organizational legitimacy and managerial ideology as with illiterate workers. Her analysis reveals that such programs can be understood as having a range of consequences: Not only do they increase skills, these programs improve work attitudes and show employer beneficence. They also assimilate immigrants, assure retention and stability at the lowest organizational level, legitimize competitive strategy based on investment in human resources, privatize a neglected public good, and allow middle managers to maintain their position in the hierarchy, among other things. As a result, she suggests that employer-sponsored literacy programs have the effect of perpetuating the inequities experienced by those at the bottom of the organizational chart, despite the rhetoric of egalitarianism and opportunity that typically accompanies educational endeavors.

Through the example of workplace literacy programs, Boyle debunks the commonplace assumption that education is an unmitigated good and addresses fears of corporate co-optation. The phenomenon of employer-sponsored education is revealed to be complex and contradictory, with consequences that extend beyond the classroom walls. Economic inequities are exacerbated by such programs, and the social problems associated with illiteracy are not alleviated. By exploring the boundary-blurring that occurs when market organizations become involved with non market ideas and practices, when public and private sector responsibilities shift, and when the workplace becomes the new schoolhouse, Boyle illuminates the complexities involved at organizational, individual, and societal levels.

This book examines emergent literacy as the foundations for language instruction and seeks to relate the work of those doing research on literacy acquisition and those designing programs to facilitate children's literacy development. It bridges theory and practice, looking at both cognitive processes and settings in which children first experience literacy.

With contributions by leading researchers in the field, the book examines emergent literacy in nonliterate homes; oral language supports; parent-child reading; literacy and working class families; literacy from a developmental perspective; parental involvement; and collaborative efforts of teachers and parents. An essential collection for all research and education in the language arts methods area. Will also appeal to educators involved in reading instruction and parent-education.

Technology, a product of science, is pushing against the linear boundaries of traditional storytelling. Moving in the direction of multiform stories and digital formats takes literacy well beyond the 3Rs. Students increasingly need to be critical and creative users of the new media. As the Internet becomes faster, more visually powerful, and easier to manipulate there will be an explosion of virtual environments, with literacy taking on a whole new meaning. While the word literacy has become almost synonymous with the word competence, the authors prefer the definitions found in the new language arts and science standards. For example, the National Science Education Standards suggests that scientific literacy implies that a person can identify scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions that are scientifically and technologically informed.

As this book explores important new dimensions of linguistic and scientific literacy it looks at developing literacies not covered well in schools today. It is the authors' belief that an understanding of science and the processes of science can make major contributions to the ability to learn, reason, make decisions, and solve problems. Thus learning about the natural world helps develop intellectual tools of inquiry that can be used with the language arts and other disciplines. Interdisciplinary activities can help develop the skills in both science and language that are becoming so essential for personal fulfillment, performing in the workplace, and being an informed citizen.

This book is designed as a supplementary text for methods classes in elementary science and language arts education. It is also intended as a resource and guide for preservice and inservice elementary and middle school teachers.

This volume promotes a thought-provoking discussion on contemporary issues surrounding the teaching of language and literacy based on first hand experiences and research. Drawing on the authors' experiences as teacher educators, language and literacy teachers, and researchers on literacy issues it brings together the multiple traditions. What makes the proposed volume unique is the common theme that runs through all the chapters: the examination of the term literacy, the complexity of this term and the importance of having a wide understanding of what it is before tackling educational issues of pedagogy, assessment and student engagement. What is more, as the editors argue, it is necessary to join up the dots and explore the commonalities that form the core of the literacy spectrum.

The 2nd Edition of Reconceptualizing Literacy in the New Age of Multiculturalism and Pluralism honors the genius of Dr. Peter Mosenthal. His contributions to the field of literacy were unprecedented. Many described him as a superb researcher who never lost sight of the purpose of education. He made us laugh as he led us in a nurseryrhyme song during his National Reading Conference (LRA) Presidential Address and made us think as he explained the significance of educational implications in all research articles. He also mentored and taught graduate students in gentle and carefully attentive ways, showing his respect and appreciation for the work of each individual in the field. He was a remarkable person. The second edition of this book includes many experienced and new scholars from around the world. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are scattered throughout and the practical and theoretical are well represented. New Literacies and Global Perspectives are added sections in this volume. In this era of the "Common Core", Reconceptualizing Literacy in the New Age of Multiculturalism and Pluralism, presents a rational educational balance for literacy development across the curriculum.

An exploration of the fascinating and controversial history of girls' education in America from the colonial era to the computer age. Girls and Literacy in America offers a tour of opportunities, obstacles, and achievements in girls' education from the limited possibilities of colonial days to the wide-open potential of the Internet generation. Six essays, written by historians and focused on particular historical periods, examine the extensive range of girls' literacies in both educational and extracurricular settings. Girls from various ethnic and racial backgrounds, social classes, religions, and geographic areas of the nation are included. A host of primary documents, including such items as an 18th century hornbook to excerpts from girls' "conversations" in Internet chat rooms allow readers an opportunity to evaluate for themselves some of the materials mentioned in the volume's opening essays. And finally, an extensive bibliography will be invaluable to students expected to conduct more extensive primary research. Contributors are experts on literacy including E. Jennifer Monaghan (Brooklyn College), Amy Goodburn (University of Nebraska-Lincoln), and Andrea A. Lunsford (Stanford University) Primary documents printed in full or excerpted include diaries, letters, school assignments, newspaper advice columns, short stories, and poems, all targeted to or written by girls A chronology of the reading and writing done by girls is presented in six essays beginning in the colonial period and ending in the 21st century An extensive bibliography includes archival holdings, secondary scholarship, and online resources

This edited collection provides an in-depth exploration of different aspects of contemporary early childhood literacy research and the implications for educational practice. Each chapter details how the research was conducted and any issues that researchers encountered in collecting data with very young children, as well as what the research findings mean for educational practice. It includes photographs of effective literacy practice, detailed explanations of research methods so the studies can be replicated or expanded upon, and key features for promoting effective literacy practice in early childhood settings. This book is an essential read for everyone who is interested in exploring the complexities and challenges of researching literacy acquisition in the youngest children.

Scientific Discourse examines the nature of scientific inquiry in the primary school classroom to show how this interacts with early literacy. Through an examination of the texts used and produced by pupils studying science the author shows how what is at work in this context of scientific discourse is actually multiliteracy. The teacher aids the pupils' learning using different forms of literacy spread across the spoken word, written text, visual text and physical action. The result of this diverse approach is a growth not only in scientific knowledge, but basic literacy. The book provides a theoretical introduction to developmental literacy theory, current positions of science education and advanced theories of multiliteracy and genre theory. The new theory of scientific discourse presented in this book will be of interest to researchers of applied linguistics, discourse analysis and education.

This book explores what makes a book readable by bringing together the relevant literature and theories, and situating them within a unified account. It provides a single resource that offers a principled discussion of the issues and their applications.

This volume examines how internationalization, stakeholders, and educational contexts have a reciprocal influence on multilinguals and their communities both as individual and collective variables. Therefore, the exploration of these variables and how they intersect and interact with worldwide phenomena like globalization, global citizenship, and responsive and responsible provisions of education are the central foci of this volume. Contributors from different parts of the world draw on analyses of various forms of data to foreground these foci with implications for effective multilingual education practices in their contexts, and beyond. The Multilingual Education Yearbook publishes high-quality empirical research on education in multilingual societies. It publishes research findings that, in addition to providing descriptions of language learning, development and use in language contact and multilingual contexts, will shape language education policy and practices in multilingual societies.