Creating a link between current research findings and classroom practice, this book analyzes, compares, and critiques prevalent classroom strategies in beginning reading instruction in light of expertise available in other countries. The book begins with a section on "Points of Departure," consisting of three chapters: "Introduction: Facts and Fads on the Reading Scene"; "A Parting of Ways: Notes on the History of Reading Methods in the United States and German-Speaking Countries"; and "Is Learning To Read 'Natural'?" The second section, "Curricular Issues," consists of the following chapters: (1) "The Learner vis-a-vis the Task"; (2) "The Role of Writing in Beginning Reading"; (3) "Are Decoding-Oriented and Meaning-Focused Instruction Incompatible?"; (4) "The Special Case of English"; and (5) From Theory to Practice." The third section, "From Theory to Practice--A Stage-Based Curriculum," consists of three chapters: "Stage 1--The Onset of Formal Reading Instruction"; "Before Reading"; and "Stage 2--From Decoder to Book Consumer." Reading charts and excerpts from beginning reading texts in German and English are included, and 22 pages of references are attached. (MM)