Steps to Success: Crossing the Bridge Between Literacy Research and Practice introduces instructional strategies linked to the most current research-supported practices in the field of literacy. The book includes chapters related to scientifically-based literacy research, early literacy development, literacy assessment, digital age influences on children’s literature, literacy development in underserved student groups, secondary literacy instructional strategies, literacy and modern language, and critical discourse analysis. Chapters are written by authors with expertise in both college teaching and the delivery of research-supported literacy practices in schools. The book features detailed explanations of a wide variety of literacy strategies that can be implemented by both beginning and expert practitioners. Readers will gain knowledge about topics frequently covered in college literacy courses, along with guided practice for applying this knowledge in their future or current classrooms. The book’s success-oriented framework helps guide educators toward improving their own practices and is designed to foster the literacy development of students of all ages.
Type of Material:
Open (Access) Textbook
Recommended Uses:
Students can read chapters as homework, and discuss them in class.
Technical Requirements:
Read online or download as PDF, ePub, Pressbooks XML
Works on Windows browsers
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Users will be able to
Define and discuss literacy and learning
Interpret the connections between K12 literacy instruction & standards
Contrast pluralistic approaches to literacy instruction
Demonstrate practical application of literacy instruction methodologies
Target Student Population:
Pre-service and professional educators
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Knowledge of general education and literacy methodologies
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
This textbook was written by college professors in teaching and literacy. As such, it supports research-based literacy practices in schools. The first chapter introduces literacy, and the remaining self-contained chapters offer different aspects of literacy, from writing to culturally responsive disciplinary instructional strategies. This resource incorporates contemporary topics and pressing issues in addition to fundamental literacy instruction material. It presents comprehensive essays that discuss various evidence-based approaches to teaching literacy instruction. Information is accurate and current, and each chapter contains an abstract, learning objectives, and ending questions and activities. The chapters can be used in several disciplines, and incorporated in different ways within a course. Links work, and attributions are accurately made.
Concerns:
The chapters are self-contained so do not build on each other. Some aspects of literacy are not covered.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The learning objectives for each chapter are clear, and align with ICT standards, mainly in terms of reading and writing aspects. The introductory chapter lays the groundwork for the text. The other chapters address different issues in research-based literacy. Each chapter contains much information, and explicitly includes learning objectives and end activities so the instructor can easily create assignments and students can learn efficiently. The contents offer theory, research and practical applications for education. It is particularly pertinent for graduate students who are pursuing advanced studies in literacy instruction and research.
Concerns:
Because the chapters are self-contained, they do not explicitly relate to each other. Nor are all aspects of literacy included (e.g., adult literacy or emerging technology-based literacy).
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The book is well-structured with each chapter arranged in a coherent manner that includes learning objectives and questions/activities to engage the reader. As such, the text is easy to navigate independently as the technology is simple. The writing is scholarly but accessible; the production value is high quality. A search feature and help are available. The material is ADA-compliant.
Concerns:
The text needs illustrations. The suggested activities are the only "interactive" part.
Creative Commons:
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