Patricia Marr Cunningham

The goal of the What Principals Need to Know About series is to help principals focus on the major components of the topics covered. Teaching and Learning Reading (Second Edition) translates research, experience, and common sense into best practice. It provides practical strategies to help K 8 principals strengthen or improve their school's reading program. Authors Patricia M. Cunningham and James W. Cunningham explore six truths of effective reading instruction that serve as the foundation to a successful reading program: 1. Reading is complex. 2. Reading First did not work. 3. All schools can increase reading achievement. 4. Effective literacy instruction requires a supportive, nurturing classroom environment. 5. Assessment can promote or hinder good instruction. 6. The school schedule affects instruction. Principals will learn the roadblocks to instruction and the best instructional practices in eight focus areas: 1. Comprehension 2. Vocabulary 3. Literacy in the content areas 4. Phonics 5. Fluency 6. Teacher read-aloud and independent reading 7. Reading motivation and engagement 8. Struggling readers and English learners Each chapter examines the common roadblocks to instruction and offers comprehensive, multifaceted instructional strategies and support steps school leaders and staff can take to overcome the roadblocks and support students. Each chapter includes a reproducible list of resources for teams or study groups and a checklist to use to observe classrooms and examine teacher lesson plans and class schedules.