Reading Next: A Vision for Action and Research in Secondary Literacy

Author: Biancarosa, G., Snow, C.E.
Publisher: Alliance for Excellent Education
Publication Date: 2004
Publication City: Washington
Publication State: DC
Full text available online at: http://www.all4ed.org/publication_material/reports/reading_next/

Abstract (written by WestEd)

The authors recognize that the literacy issues and needs among secondary students are different — and more complex — than those in the elementary years, which have been the focus of most recent research and policy efforts. Using the best research currently available, five of the nation's leading researchers identify 15 key elements for an effective literacy intervention in middle and high school:

1. Direct, explicit comprehension instruction
   
2. Effective instructional principles embedded in context
   
3. Motivation and self-directed learning
   
4. Text-based collaborative learning
   
5. Strategic tutoring
   
6. Diverse texts
   
7. Intensive writing
   
8. A technology component
   
9. Ongoing formative assessment of students
   
10. Extended time for literacy
    
11. Professional development
    
12. Ongoing summative assessment of students and programs
    
13. Teacher teams
    
14. Leadership
    
15. A comprehensive and coordinated literacy program

While recognizing that implementing all 15 elements simultaneously would be difficult, the authors recommend that schools experiment with different combinations that, at the very least, contain the following three elements: professional development, formative assessment, and summative assessment.