The first comprehensive research handbook of its kind, this volume showcases innovative approaches to understanding adolescent literacy learning in a variety of settings. Distinguished contributors examine how well adolescents are served by current instructional practices and highlight ways to translate research findings more effectively into sound teaching and policymaking. The book emphasizes social and cultural factors in adolescents' approach to communication and response to instruction, and sections address literacy both in and out of schools, including literacy expectations in the contemporary workplace. Detailed attention is given to issues of diversity and individual differences among learners. Winner--Literacy Research Association's Edward B. Fry Book Award

The first comprehensive research handbook of its kind, this volume showcases innovative approaches to understanding adolescent literacy learning in a variety of settings. Distinguished contributors examine how well adolescents are served by current instructional practices and highlight ways to translate research findings more effectively into sound teaching and policymaking. The book explores social and cultural factors in adolescents' approach to communication and response to instruction, and sections address literacy both in and out of schools, including literacy expectations in the contemporary workplace. Detailed attention is given to issues of diversity and individual differences among learners. Winner--Literacy Research Association's Fry Book Award!

Leila Christenbury is well known as a writer and researcher in English Education: her classic book ""Making the Journey"", now in its third edition, has been a guide to countless middle and high school language arts teachers. In her new book, this veteran teacher and teacher educator reveals what did and - more surprisingly - did not happen when she returned to the high school classroom after a hiatus of many years. Exploring her experiences in light of current teacher preparation reform efforts, the author's compelling narrative is a continuation of her earlier work that will resonate with those concerned about the state of today's American secondary education.In addition to personal reflections on her practice, Christenbury also: provides specific recommendations for enhancing the English classroom; explores the state of the American comprehensive high school and the fiction of excellence; examines the role of school in relation to the suburban middle class; addresses a number of problem areas: the timing of high stakes tests, policies regarding academic regulations, the uncritical adoption of a college ""model,"" the widening use of dual enrollment courses, and more.