About the Author Introduction 1. A Practical Look at Literacy and Effective Schools Practices Student-Centered Schools Shared Purpose and Vision Strong Instructional Leadership Knowledgeable Staff Members Alignment of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Information and Data Collection Maximizing Available Resources Abundant and Focused Staff Development Strong Family and Community Involvement Embedding Change & Seeking Continuous Improvement First and Lasting Impressions-A Survey Checklist 2. Components of an Effective, Complete Reading Program Read Aloud Shared Reading Guided Reading Literacy Centers Literature Circles Independent Reading Checklist 3. Essential Elements of Reading Instruction Phonemic Awareness Phonics Non-Decodable, High-Frequency Words Vocabulary Development Language Structure Fluency Comprehension Checklist 4. Components of an Effective, Complete Writing Program Modeled Writing Interactive Writing Structured Writing Writers Workshop Independent Writing Checklist 5. Teaching Writing Skills in Context Content Use of Language Mechanics Revision and Editing Checklist 6. Other Instructional Factors Impacting the Success of Reading and Writing Programs Checklist 7. Meeting the Needs of Struggling Readers Teachers Classroom Instruction Effective Reading Instruction Instructional Time Appropriate Materials Program Options Use of Resources School-Wide Communication Family Programs Community Programs Policy Decisions Checklist 8. Information Gathering and Data Collection 9. Staff Training Ideas 10. Fifty 10-Minute Tips for "Leaders" to Use to Impact the Reading and Writing Performance of Students 11. 101 Parent Tips to Enhance Literacy Conclusion References and Suggested Readings
"Here's a book you'll use over and over again. It's a practical, easy-to-use resource for every teacher who wants his or her students to be better readers and writers. Packed with activities, suggestions, and ideas-it's hard to decide which one to try first!" Tita Mallory, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Aberdeen School District, WA "It's all here! Anderson has included everything from research on effective literacy to specific instructional strategies to use in your classroom tomorrow." Mike Nelson, Assistant Superintendent Enumclaw School District, WA "A hands-on book for teachers to create engaging learning opportunities for students. A comprehensive guide that will become the teacher's best friend." Linda Holliman, Education Consultant Littleton, CO Are You Getting the Results You Want From Your Reading and Writing Instruction? This outstanding resource book provides research-based, practical ideas for creating a complete balanced reading and writing program that will make a difference for your students. There is a wealth of information including the following: Descriptions and implementation ideas for each component of a balanced reading and writing program Checklists for reviewing your own literacy program Effective strategies for teaching word study, fluency, and comprehension Vocabulary instructional strategies that expand students' comprehension and word knowledge Specific pre-reading, during-reading, and after-reading strategies that increase students' comprehension of fiction and nonfiction text Practical ideas for teaching writing skills in context Innovative ways of meeting the needs of struggling readers 50 tips any educator can use to positively impact students' reading performance 101 ideas for involving families in your literacy program Extensive lists of outstanding instructional materials Suggestions for ensuring that effective school practices are in place to positively impact your students' literacy performance If you are looking for ideas and tips that can impact your students' reading and writing, this book provides hundreds of classroom-proven suggestions designed for new teachers, experienced teachers, and administrators.
Sandra E. Anderson is an educational consultant with Exemplary Education L.L.C., which offers training in strengthening reading and writing achievement and enhancing leadership for literacy. * A former teacher, reading specialist, principal, and national staff development director with over thirty years in the field of education * Experience working with students preschool-grade 9 * Recruited, hired, and coached national presenters who presented to educators across the United States and Canada * An experienced presenter at state, regional, and national reading and writing conferences * A consultant and critic reader for several reading textbook companies * Distinguished principal award from The Washington State Elementary Principals Association * A member of the International Reading Association's Teachers' Choices Committee for four years * Conference participant at National Staff Development Conferences, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conferences, State, Regional and International Reading Conferences, and National Association for the Education of Young Children Conferences Undergraduate degree in education from the University of Washington and graduate degrees in reading and educational administration from Seattle Pacific University.