Reading Isn't Optional

Coauthor and editor Jeanne A. Schopf brings together leading literacy experts to address one of secondary education's most significant gaps: teaching adolescents to read. Grounded in literacy research and implementation science, this book guides middle and high school educators through systems, leadership, MTSS, and evidence-based instructional practices that transform literacy development for struggling readers, including multilingual learners, across all content areas. Grades 6-12 teachers, leaders, and instructional coaches can use this book to: Implement multitiered systems of support to teach literacy actively across all disciplines in secondary education Encourage teachers and train them in effective literacy instruction through peer coaching Adopt new strategies to improve student reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary Reinforce students' literacy training through reflective writing and class discussions Adapt practices as needed to address unique needs and support multilingual learners Contents: Introduction Part 1: Where Are We, and Where Do We Go? Chapter 1: The Barriers to Strong Literacy Outcomes in Secondary Schools--Breaking Down the Myths Chapter 2: The Science of Reading and Implementation Science Part 2: The Foundation of Literacy Transformation Chapter 3: Secondary Literacy Leadership--Actions and Character Above Title and Role Chapter 4: Multitiered Systems of Support to Center Adolescent Literacy Chapter 5: Student-Focused Coaching to Support Literacy Learning Part 3: Literacy Research to Practice Chapter 6: Accuracy, Rate, and Expression--Fluency for All Students Chapter 7: Construction of Meaning--Building Text Understanding Layer by Layer Chapter 8: Comprehension--The Acquisition of Content-Area and Disciplinary Literacy Skills Chapter 9: Word-Rich Classrooms--Practices for Intentional Vocabulary Instruction Chapter 10: Scaffolds for All Learners in Grade- and Course-Level Texts Chapter 11: POWERful Writing Instruction for Secondary Students Chapter 12: Oral Language--Speaking and Listening in the Secondary Classroom Chapter 13: Foundational Skills for Adolescent Newcomer English Learners