Teaching Dilemmas and Solutions in Content-Area Literacy, Grades 6-12

Because literacy is not just the English teacher’s job Think literacy is just for English teachers? Not anymore. Nor should it be when you consider that each discipline has its own unique values and means of expression. These days, it’s up to all teachers to communicate what it means to be literate in their disciplines. Here, finally, is a book ambitious enough to tackle the topic across all major subject areas. Engage in this cross-disciplinary conversation with seasoned teachers and university researchers, and learn how to develop curriculum and instruction that are responsive to students’ needs across English/language arts, science, social studies, mathematics, visual space, and music and drama. Peter Smagorinsky and his colleagues provide an insider’s lens on both the states of their fields and their specific literacy demands, including: Reviews of current issues and state-of-the-art research informing literacy education Scenario-based activities for reflection and discussion, typifying the dilemmas and challenges faced by practicing teachers. Considerations of the textual forms and conventions required in each discipline Specific policy recommendations Read this book on your own for immediate suggestions on how to improve literacy instruction within your course of study. Better yet, share it with colleagues and participate in a larger conversation about how your literacy expectations influence the ways students read and produce texts in other disciplines.