Much debate centers on motivating student in reading achievement. Should students feel motivated from within (intrinsic motivation), or is it better to have extrinsic motivation whereby external stimuli are used to help learners achieve optimally in reading? This paper aims to analyze the two points of view about motivating students in reading…

Secondary school students encounter textbooks that are expository in form and contain unfamiliar vocabulary. Principals should ensure that reading is taught in content areas and should understand the strategies for teaching content reading so they may evaluate teachers more effectively. (six references) (MLF)

In a response to the previous article by Carla Heymsfield, it is argued that whole language, as a coherent philosophy of language instruction, does not need to be "patched" with skills instruction, and that direct instruction cannot be reconciled with natural learning. (TE)

During the past several years, school superintendents and educational leaders from around the country have convened at the Pearson Education Instructional Leadership Council to discuss solutions for some of the most pressing issues they confront, especially regarding teaching and learning. Several common change principles have emerged from these…

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Practice Guide "Effective Literacy and English Language Instruction for English Learners in the Elementary Grades" addresses the challenge of providing effective literacy instruction for English learners in the elementary grades. The Guide offers five specific recommendations for district administrators…

Examines the findings of effective schools research and reading research that support the view that (1) more time should be devoted to reading children's literature and (2) more than basal materials is necessary for effective instruction. Shows how teaching children's literature can improve teacher effectiveness. (SKC)

A balanced approach to reading instruction favors cultivating reading as a strategic activity that requires intentionality, interest, and motivation on the part of the learner. Includes references. (MD)

Outlines the components of direct instruction. Research demonstrates that the types of questions asked, the detailed step-by-step breakdowns, and the extensive practice with examples (illustrated in the three studies discussed) significantly benefit students' comprehension. Includes references and five figures. (MD)

This guide, requested by principals across the nation, is intended to help them successfully implement Reading Recovery in their schools. The guide is organized by topics that experienced principals have said are important to ongoing program operation. To help access information quickly, a detailed table of contents is provided, as well as an…

Mentors need to be carefully selected to assist new teachers in making a successful transition from student teaching to being fully licensed and certified to teach in the regular classroom. During the school year, the mentor may help the new teacher in a variety of ways--one is to build confidence in the new teacher for teaching and another is to…

Analysis of first-grade reading instruction reveals that teaching contains important technological elements, which can be formulated as principles expressing coherent connections between means and ends; they pervade school-system organization and are not restricted to classes. Teaching is not largely intuitive, unpredictable, or resistant to…

In response to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), raising literacy levels in secondary schools has taken on a new urgency. Recognized literacy author, Elaine K. McEwan, focuses her revised second edition on enhancing the "five big ideas" for raising reading achievement with seven cognitive strategies of highly effective readers and…

Over 100 books related to teaching reading are listed in this annotated bibliography. Most entries were published between 1980 and 1981. For each citation, information on author, publisher, and availability is accompanied by a brief abstract and descriptors. A descriptor index is included. (LP)

This book is designed to provide practical suggestions and teaching approaches for both administrators and instructors involved in teaching reading to adults. The book contains the following chapters: (1) "Overview"; (2) "Diagnosing Learner Characteristics"; (3) "Goals and Objectives"; (4) "Planning…

Summarizes educational research regarding principal's role in reading program success/failure. Concludes that principals' function should be improving teacher instruction techniques; principals must regard reading programs as important, teachers and principals must share mutual concern/ cooperation; licensing agencies must require administrator…