Strong reading and literacy skills are essential for students' success in K-12 and beyond by providing the foundation for understanding the world and communicating effectively. This Spotlight will help readers learn how classroom conversations can boost reading proficiency; identify research on how to get students absorbed in reading; examine…

This study presents the results of an analysis of Croatian Language and Natural Sciences textbooks used in the fourth and sixth grade of primary education in Croatia. Textbooks are therein seen as core educational materials, influencing teacher practices--specifically, the reading comprehension instruction. Five textbooks were coded for text type,…

Improving the reading ability of young students could hardly be a more urgent priority for our elementary schools. Two thirds of American fourth and eighth graders are not able to read proficiently--and the outcomes are far worse for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2019 showed that only…

Does the Common Core State Standards' focus on informational text mean that teachers must teach fiberglass installation manuals and the minutes of National Reserve Board meetings? No, responds literacy expert Timothy Shanahan. "I've pored over the lists of exemplary texts suggested by the standards, and I've not been able to…

The Common Core Standards and the wide-spread state adoption have implications for music teachers. Alignment with English language arts Common Core Standards is discussed, with examples provided for elementary general music experiences. The author notes the challenge of retaining focus on the music domain while meeting the expectations of the…

Texts are stated to have an important role in Turkish language education relevant to the goals stated in the Primary Schools Turkish Lesson Teaching Program and Guide (2006), and in the formation and improvement of the individual's reading culture. The aim of the study is to determine the comprehensibility levels of the texts in the Turkish…

As shown by MetLife's 2010 "Survey of the American Teacher," America's educators strongly believe that all students should graduate from high school ready for college and a career (85 percent). Additionally, according to MetLife's 2009 survey, 86 percent of teachers believe that setting high expectations for students will improve student…

Presents ten activity cards which can be used in developing students' defining skills. (DD)

Discusses the phonics v whole-word controversy in the teaching of reading and defends the use of the phonics approach for certain purposes. (DD)

Models of record keeping strategies for reading and writing are presented in this booklet. "Why Records Should Be Kept" discusses the importance and advantages of keeping accurate records of pupil progress; "Commercially Available Materials" lists many of the record systems available from commercial textbook publishers; "Record-Keeping for…

Encourages language arts teachers to give students more opportunities to write in order to develop both their reading and their writing skills. (DD)

The course described in this paper aims to assist the Jamaican child to develop his basic language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, based on an awareness and a respect for the child's personal language and linguistic heritage. (Author/AM)

Suggests 22 uses for the newspaper in the language arts classroom. (DD)

Presents a technique for staging puppet shows which includes oral reading. (RB)

Jeanne S. Chall, Roger Farr, John C. Manning, Robert B. Ruddell, Russell G. Stauffer, Dorothy S. Strickland, and Richard L. Venezky comment on significant developments in reading during the 1970s, hopes for the 1980s, and important references dealing with teaching children to read. (DD)