This text gives prospective and practicing teachers a comprehensive understanding of how to teach multiple literacies in elementary arid middle school classrooms. All of the Iiteracies-dance, music, visual arts, popular culture, media, and computer technologies-are integrated with reading and writing. Balanced treatment is given to theoretical perspectives and practical applications. The text also features authentic cases written by preservice teachers, and commentaries on the cases from practitioners and university professors. The cases are designed to prepare future teachers for the PRAXIS teacher certifying exam and others offered in many states. Three theoretical chapters support the practical applications: Chapter 1 addresses the benefits of writing and analyzing cases and the specific attributes of exemplary teaching cases, and offers guidelines for teachers to author their own case narratives and questions for analyzing and discussing case issues with peers; Chapter 2 discusses the role of electronic symbol making and multiple sign systems in children's literacy and how children use symbols to receive and express meaning; Chapter 3 offers a theoretical framework that helps define and enable teachers to use the new literacies of Internet technology, and provides a strong rationale for expanding traditional definitions of literacy.

This text gives prospective and practicing teachers a comprehensive understanding of how to teach multiple literacies in elementary and middle school classrooms. All of the literacies--dance, music, visual arts, popular culture, media, and computer technologies--are integrated with reading and writing. Balanced treatment is given to theoretical perspectives and practical applications. The text features authentic cases written by preservice teachers, and commentaries on the cases from practitioners and university professors. The cases are designed to prepare future teachers for the PRAXIS teacher certifying exam and others offered in many states.
Three theoretical chapters support the practical applications:
*Chapter 1 addresses the benefits of writing and analyzing cases and the specific attributes of exemplary teaching cases, and offers guidelines for teachers to author their own case narratives and questions for analyzing and discussing case issues with peers.
*Chapter 2 discusses the role of electronic symbol making and multiple sign systems in children's literacy and how children use symbols to receive and express meaning.
*Chapter 3 offers a theoretical framework that helps define and enable teachers to use the new literacies of Internet technology, and provides a strong rationale for expanding traditional definitions of literacy.
The practical applications chapters (chaps. 4-12) gradually lead readers toward a deeper understanding of how to conceptualize and structure more complex, integrated lessons. In each of these chapters:
*An "Overview" provides up-to-date information about the particular form of literacy discussed in the chapter.
*A helpful "What Do You Need to Know and How Do You Begin" section offers ideas and tasks for teachers who wish to nurture their artistic and technological aptitudes, expand their understanding of popular culture media, and increase their knowledge about integrating diverse communication forms into cohesive themed units or instruction.
*Exemplary cases--the heart of these chapters--present preservice teachers' candid descriptions of their reflections, confusions, and concerns as they support K-8 students writing and writing development through multiple literacy approaches.
*Case-specific questions encourage readers to take an active part in analyzing, documenting, and discussing the particular issues raised.
*"Commentaries" by skilled practitioners and university professors provide sound teaching suggestions, scholarly perspectives, and sometimes contrasting solutions to the dilemmas described in the cases.
*"Reflections and Explorations" activities help teachers become more actively involved in thinking and learning about multiple literacies.
*"Practical Applications" questions engage teachers in considering their own teaching environments and goals as they integrate multiple literacy lessons into their curriculum.
*"Suggested Readings" support teachers in constructing more in-depth knowledge about the chapter topics.

The goal of this book is to answer the question What is differentiated instruction? It offers pre-service and in-service teachers the background and foundational skills they will need to understand, plan for, and achieve effective differentiated literacy instruction in their classrooms, based on individual student needs. Chapters provide essential information about how to analyze and synthesize data from assessments, use the information for grouping students, and then plan and implement differentiated instruction. Many specific, hands-on descriptions and exhibits are provided. Case studies of real classrooms demonstrate effective differentiated instructional techniques. End-of-chapter Practical Application questions allow readers to apply chapter concepts as they learn to motivate and teach diverse learners.

*Bestselling K-3 teacher resource and professional development tool, updated: over 50% new material includes a new chapter and new components. *Now a "one-stop" resource; new features include the Informal Decoding Inventory, coaching templates, and updated lesson plans and scripts, plus many additional letter, word, and picture sorts. *Noted authors introduce "Differentiation 2.0," their highly effective model that incorporates new standards, RTI approaches, and rigorous new assessments. *Easy to use and practical: helps busy teachers streamline their preparation time and includes dozens of reproducible/downloadable tools.

International literacy assessments have provided ample data for ranking nations, charting growth, and casting blame. Summarizing the findings of these assessments, which afford a useful vantage from which to view world literacy as it evolves, this book examines literate behavior worldwide, in terms of both the ability of populations from a wide variety of nations to read and the practice of literate behavior in those nations. Drawing on The World's Most Literate Nations, author Jack Miller's internationally released study, emerging trends in world literacy and their relationships to political, economic, and social factors are explored. Literacy, and in particular the practice of literate behaviors, is used as a lens through which to view countries' economic development, gender equality, resource utilization, and ethnic discrimination. Above all, this book is about trajectories. It begins with historical contexts, described in terms of support for literate cultures. Based on a variety of data sources, these trends are traced to the present and then projected ahead. The literate futures of nations are discussed and how these relate to their economic and sociocultural development. This book is unique in providing a broader perspective on an intractable problem, a vantage point that offers useful insights to inform policy, and in bringing together an array of relevant data sources not typically associated with literacy status.

International literacy assessments have provided ample data for ranking nations, charting growth, and casting blame. Summarizing the findings of these assessments, which afford a useful vantage from which to view world literacy as it evolves, this book examines literate behavior worldwide, in terms of both the ability of populations from a wide variety of nations to read and the practice of literate behavior in those nations. Drawing on The World's Most Literate Nations, author Jack Miller's internationally released study, emerging trends in world literacy and their relationships to political, economic, and social factors are explored. Literacy, and in particular the practice of literate behaviors, is used as a lens through which to view countries' economic development, gender equality, resource utilization, and ethnic discrimination. Above all, this book is about trajectories. It begins with historical contexts, described in terms of support for literate cultures. Based on a variety of data sources, these trends are traced to the present and then projected ahead. The literate futures of nations are discussed and how these relate to their economic and sociocultural development. This book is unique in providing a broader perspective on an intractable problem, a vantage point that offers useful insights to inform policy, and in bringing together an array of relevant data sources not typically associated with literacy status.

Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, this accessible text has given over 100,000 preservice and inservice teachers vital tools for systematic reading assessment in grades K-8. The book explains how to use both formal and informal assessments to evaluate students' strengths and needs in all components of reading. Effective, engaging methods for targeted instruction in each area are outlined. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes 30 reproducible tools, plus an additional multipage assessment in an online-only appendix. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials. New to This Edition *Expanded coverage of the middle grades (4-8), including a new chapter and case study, and explicit attention to this grade range throughout; new coauthor Kevin Flanigan adds expertise in this area. *New and expanded topics: computer-based testing methods, assessing academic language, and how to use reading inventories more accurately. *Additional reproducible tools: informal reading inventory summary form, comprehension retelling forms for narrative and informational text, computer-based comprehension test comparison worksheet, revised Informal Decoding Inventory, and more.

From leading experts, this indispensable resource presents a practical model for conducting reading assessments for screening, diagnosis, and progress monitoring in each of the three tiers of response to intervention (RTI). K-8 teachers and school personnel are guided to use norm-referenced, informal, and curriculum-based measures to assess key components of reading development and make informed choices about instruction. The book describes how to survey existing assessment practices in a school and craft a systematic plan for improvement; reproducible tools include a 10-page RTI Assessment Audit that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. See also Assessment for Reading Instruction, Third Edition, which explains the fundamentals of assessment and provides essential hands-on tools.

*Bestselling K-3 teacher resource and professional development tool, updated: over 50% new material includes a new chapter and new components. *Now a "one-stop" resource; new features include the Informal Decoding Inventory, coaching templates, and updated lesson plans and scripts, plus many additional letter, word, and picture sorts. *Noted authors introduce "Differentiation 2.0," their highly effective model that incorporates new standards, RTI approaches, and rigorous new assessments. *Easy to use and practical: helps busy teachers streamline their preparation time and includes dozens of reproducible/downloadable tools.

Filled with clear explanations and doable strategies, this book helps PreK-2 teachers juggle the demands of planning effective instruction and creating a literacy-rich classroom environment. Realistic vignettes illustrate how to set goals, develop standards-based curricula and assessments, establish routines, and organize the classroom space and the daily schedule. The authors demonstrate the nuts and bolts of building an exemplary classroom library and professional teaching library, collaborating as a team with other teachers and specialists, preparing report cards, and communicating with families. Several reproducible forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

This book guides teachers in grades 6-12 to strategically combine a variety of texts-including literature, informational texts, and digital sources-to meet their content-area goals and the demands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). It presents clear-cut ways to analyze text complexity, design challenging text sets, and help students get the most out of what they read. Provided are practical instructional ideas for building background knowledge, promoting engagement, incorporating discussion and text-based writing, and teaching research skills. Appendices offer sample unit plans for English language arts, history/social studies, and science classrooms. More than 20 reproducible coaching templates and other tools can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

*Bestselling resource for grades 4-5, now updated: 30% new material broadens the focus beyond reading, with a new chapter on writing instruction. *Day-to-day strategies and resources include dozens of reproducible lesson plans and templates, many new and all now available for download. *Extremely practical and research based. *From recognized experts. *Prior edition title: Differentiated Reading Instruction in Grades 4 and 5.

Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, this accessible text has given over 100,000 preservice and inservice teachers vital tools for systematic reading assessment in grades K-8. The book explains how to use both formal and informal assessments to evaluate students' strengths and needs in all components of reading. Effective, engaging methods for targeted instruction in each area are outlined. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes 30 reproducible tools, plus an additional multipage assessment in an online-only appendix. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials. New to This Edition *Expanded coverage of the middle grades (4-8), including a new chapter and case study, and explicit attention to this grade range throughout; new coauthor Kevin Flanigan adds expertise in this area. *New and expanded topics: computer-based testing methods, assessing academic language, and how to use reading inventories more accurately. *Additional reproducible tools: informal reading inventory summary form, comprehension retelling forms for narrative and informational text, computer-based comprehension test comparison worksheet, revised Informal Decoding Inventory, and more.

*Bestselling resource for grades 4-5, now updated: 30% new material broadens the focus beyond reading, with a new chapter on writing instruction. *Day-to-day strategies and resources include dozens of reproducible lesson plans and templates, many new and all now available for download. *Extremely practical and research based. *From recognized experts. *Prior edition title: Differentiated Reading Instruction in Grades 4 and 5.

Filled with clear explanations and doable strategies, this book helps PreK-2 teachers juggle the demands of planning effective instruction and creating a literacy-rich classroom environment. Realistic vignettes illustrate how to set goals, develop standards-based curricula and assessments, establish routines, and organize the classroom space and the daily schedule. The authors demonstrate the nuts and bolts of building an exemplary classroom library and professional teaching library, collaborating as a team with other teachers and specialists, preparing report cards, and communicating with families. Several reproducible forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

This book guides teachers in grades 6-12 to strategically combine a variety of texts--including literature, informational texts, and digital sources--to meet their content-area goals and the demands of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). It presents clear-cut ways to analyze text complexity, design challenging text sets, and help students get the most out of what they read. Provided are practical instructional ideas for building background knowledge, promoting engagement, incorporating discussion and text-based writing, and teaching research skills. Appendices offer sample unit plans for English language arts, history/social studies, and science classrooms. More than 20 reproducible coaching templates and other tools can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size.

When the goal is supporting excellent teaching, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. This popular practitioner resource and text helps readers navigate the many choices involved in developing and fine-tuning a coaching program that offers the best fit for a particular school. The authors draw on current research as well as their extensive experience in K-8 settings. They provide clear guidance (with helpful reproducibles) on: *Major coaching models and how to choose among them. *Applying principles of adult learning and motivation. *The role of reading assessment in coaching. *Balancing classroom-level, grade-level, and whole-school tasks. *Special considerations in middle school coaching. See also The Literacy Coach's Handbook, Second Edition, which offers a complete primer on the role of the literacy coach and what coaches need to know to get started.

From leading experts, this indispensable resource presents a practical model for conducting reading assessments for screening, diagnosis, and progress monitoring in each of the three tiers of response to intervention (RTI). K-8 teachers and school personnel are guided to use norm-referenced, informal, and curriculum-based measures to assess key components of reading development and make informed choices about instruction. The book describes how to survey existing assessment practices in a school and craft a systematic plan for improvement; reproducible tools include a 10-page RTI Assessment Audit that can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. See also Assessment for Reading Instruction, Third Edition, which explains the fundamentals of assessment and provides essential hands-on tools.

*Complete, practical introduction to comprehension instruction for developing young readers, PreK-2. *Gives special consideration to developmental and cultural factors, such as kids' limited attention spans and varying world experiences and self-regulatory abilities. *Highlights strategies for working with English learners and culturally diverse learners. *Provides clear links to the Common Core standards plus 16 reproducible forms that purchasers can download and print.

This bestselling book gives preservice and practicing literacy coaches the tools they need to build a successful schoolwide reading program. The authors, well-known experts in the field, describe the literacy coach's crucial, evolving role in today's schools. They offer step-by-step guidelines for implementing curricula and assessments, selecting instructional materials, and planning for differentiation and intervention. Specific ways to support teachers by providing high-quality professional development are discussed. The book is grounded in state-of-the-art research on PreK-5 instruction and the characteristics of effective coaches. New to This Edition * Incorporates the latest research and instructional materials. * Expanded grade range now includes PreK and grades 4-5. * Content on RTI and the Common Core standards is woven throughout. * Strategies for making professional development more responsive to teachers' needs. See also The Literacy Coaching Challenge, which guides more experienced coaches in choosing among different coaching models and addresses typical issues of implementation.

A complete road map for word knowledge instruction in PreK-2, this book focuses on developing the word recognition and phonics skills identified in the Common Core standards for Foundational Skills. It offers clear-cut instructions for assessing students' stages of word knowledge development--emergent, beginning, or transitional--and their specific instructional needs. Chapters on each developmental stage are packed with effective learning activities and strategies, plus guidance for fitting them into the classroom day. Of special value, online-only appendices provide purchasers with more than 30 reproducible assessment and instructional tools, ready to download and print in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size.