Issues in Literacy Development

This document summarizes the best available research and professional expertise to help teachers provide high-quality literacy instruction for students from kindergarten through Grade 8. The information has been organized around topics that are important to literacy development.

Select a Topic in Literacy Development:

Emergent Literacy / Beginning Reading

• What is Emergent Literacy?
• How Young Children Become Readers and Writers
• Concepts, Strategies, and Skills Needed to Become Effective Readers
• Appropriate Literature for Emergent Readers
• Shared Reading: An Effective Instructional Model
• Role of Writing
• References

Use of Authentic Literature

• What is Authentic Literature?
• Use of Authentic Literature at All Levels and With All Abilities
• Learning More Effectively
• Home/School Involvement
• References

Literature-Based Instruction

• What is Literature-Based Instruction?
• Role of the Teacher
• Thematic Organization
• Responding to Literature
• Useful Instructional Strategies
• References

Strategic Reading, Comprehension, and Study Skills

• What is Strategic Reading?
• Phonics As an Aid to Constructing Meaning
• Strategies for Constructing Meaning
• Learning Strategies for Constructing Meaning
• Role of Vocabulary
• Responding to Literature
• Study Strategies and Skills
• References

Phonics, Decoding, and Word Identification

• Phonics and Word Identification Defined
• When to Begin Phonics Instruction
• A Word Identification Strategies and Skills
• Fluency in Word Identification
• Role of Oral Reading
• References

Independent Reading and Self-Initiated Writing

• The Need for Independent Reading
• The Effects of Independent Reading on Reading Achievement
• Out-of-School Independent Reading
• In-School Independent Reading
• Motivating Students
• Self-Initiated Writing
• References

Integrating the Language Arts

• Why Integrate Language Arts?
• Oral Language: Speaking and Listening
• Composing/Writing
• Spelling
• Grammar and Usage
• Writing/Reading Connection: Critical Thinking
• References

Meeting Individual Needs of All Students

• Learner Variables to Consider
• Instructional Variables
• Organizational Patterns
• Value of Literature-Based Instruction for All Students
• References

Multicultural/Diverse Perspective Instruction

• The Case for Multicultural Instruction
• What is Multicultural Instruction?
• Role of Multicultural Literature
• Strategies to Support Multicultural Instruction
• Values of Multicultural Instruction
• Building on Home Literacy Experiences
• References

Interdisciplinary/Cross-Curricular Teaching

• What is Interdisciplinary/Cross-Curricular Teaching?
• Values and Benefits
• Thematic Units
• Types of Activities
• References

Assessment

• Changes in Reading Assessment
• Influence of Performance-Based and Authentic Assessment
• Match Between Assessment and Instruction
• Classroom Assessment
• Effects on Instruction and Classroom Management
• Portfolio Assessment
• Portfolios and Self-Assessment
• References

Staff Development

• Factors Influencing Staff Development
• Effective Staff Development
• Attitudes Toward Staff Development
• References