Marie Clay's body of work has influenced classroom instruction in direct and indirect ways, through large overarching themes in our pedagogical content knowledge as well as specific smart practices. This paper focuses on her the contributions to our thinking about instruction which come from two broad theoretical concepts; emergent literacy…

Close reading is a recommended instructional approach to meet the challenges of teaching complex texts. But close readings are more common in high school and college than in elementary schools. In this article, we identify the components of close reading that were developed after a group of elementary school teachers observed their colleges in…

Initiatives such as Response to Intervention (RTI) and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (CCSS-ELA) have the potential to positively impact progress toward the goal of literacy for all. Because the CCSS-ELA will guide the content of the curriculum, instruction and assessment in the large number of adopting states, they will…

Describes how a group of professionals at a school near San Antonio, Texas, worked together to change the reading curriculum from a traditional basal reading program to an approach built around quality literature. (SR)

Presents reflections of six primary school teachers and their principal on the growth of their literacy program based on whole language principles; and their professional development as teachers of young children. Discusses a nurturing environment, changes in their literacy program, strategies for success, and future goals. (SR)

Argues that educators must develop new ways of thinking about literacy that integrate the Internet with their work. Examines how governments around the world are devoting new attention to their educational systems in response to global economic competition in an age of information. Describes several websites with important lessons and resources…

Discusses how to support teachers through the challenges of full implementation of holistic instruction in the classroom. Examines the effectiveness of the Kamehameha Elementary Education Program in Hawaii. Finds that holistic instruction can be effective in improving the literacy achievement of students of diverse cultural and linguistic…

Describes how one resource person demonstrated and discussed whole language teaching methods in five elementary and middle schools to start the process of educational change. (MG)

Explores literature on educational change and examines two literacy innovations gone "bad": process writing and literature-based reading. Argues that growth occurs from the interaction of "bad" things with good ideas (which are never perfect ideas), thereby reshaping, reforming, and strengthening them. Examines how this affects educational policy,…