Thomas G. Gunning, EdD, is Professor Emeritus of Reading at Southern Connecticut State University, where he served as Director of the Reading Clinic. Dr. Gunning has taught at all levels and has been a reading specialist and consultant in inner-city schools in Philadelphia and Hartford. He is the author of more than a dozen books on literacy and several intervention programs for struggling readers. Dr. Gunning has conducted research in foundational skills, decoding strategies, readability, and comprehension. He has a special interest in working with underperforming readers, especially those who have significant difficulty learning foundational skills.
Packed with practical tools, this book provides K-6 educators with a research-based framework for accelerating the reading and writing growth of underperforming students. Strategies and resources are included for building foundational skills, comprehension, and vocabulary; engaging students with independent reading and periodicals; developing writing; and implementing tutoring and other extra supports. The book gives special attention to helping those most affected by the literacy gap--Black and Latinx students, students living in poverty, and students with reading disabilities. It describes dozens of high-quality intervention programs, assessments, activities, and materials, many of which can be accessed for free at the companion website. Reproducible forms and handouts can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.