This book shares lessons gleaned from a two-year intervention in a high-poverty school, which was highly successful in significantly narrowing the literacy achievement gap and in raising children’s motivation and engagement in literacy both inside and outside school. Kennedy argues that there is much that disadvantaged schools can do to close the gap, but this is more likely to occur when a research-based approach to instruction (with a dual emphasis on cognitive skills and motivation and engagement), assessment and professional development is undertaken.

All students deserve the opportunity to reach their full literacy potential, yet research shows that the numerous challenges faced by today's urban schools prevent many students from achieving this goal. Therefore, preparing teachers to effectively teach reading in diverse urban populations in ways that students find engaging and relevant must be a top priority of teacher education programs.

Looks at why students in high-poverty schools struggle with literacy achievement, details what specific factors promote success, and provides recommendations for enriching the classroom environment at different grade levels.

Strengthen student literacy achievement in middle and high schools! In response to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), raising literacy levels in secondary schools has taken on a new urgency. Recognized literacy author, Elaine K. McEwan, focuses her revised second edition on enhancing the "five big ideas" for raising reading achievement with seven cognitive strategies of highly effective readers and more than twenty research-based "teaching for learning" tips to infuse into daily content instruction. Featuring reflection and discussion questions for reinforcement, this indispensable guide demonstrates how to improve students' literacy with these five teacher-friendly strategies:Focus on changing what you can changeTeach the students who can't read how to readTeach every student how to read to learnMotivate all students to read more, to read increasingly more challenging books, and to be accountable for what they readCreate a reading culture in your schoolWith new programs designed for adolescent learners, this update provides suggestions and developmental tools to effectively strengthen reading curriculum and instruction. Reading specialists, special education teachers, literacy coaches, intervention specialists, and central office administrators can also use this essential tool for evaluating middle and high school reading programs and formulating school and district improvement goals.

This engaging book offers new insights and information on why students in high-poverty schools struggle with literacy achievement and what specific factors promote success. Findings from a unique study are translated into clear recommendations for enriching the classroom environment at different grade levels and helping all children, including English language learners, become highly skilled readers and writers. Packed with compelling observations and data, the book illustrates the realities of day-to-day life in the classroom, provides snapshots of exemplary instructional practices, and emphasizes the key role of teacher-student interactions in overcoming barriers to learning.

"Breaking the cycle of poverty by improving education and literacy: that's the ultimate goal of this trailblazing book from top experts. Educating the Other America brings together more than 30 of the biggest names in education to tackle the challenges faced by children who live below the poverty line - and offer fresh, cutting-edge ideas for closing the achievement gap." "Representing the most creative thinking from the best minds in education, this groundbreaking resource illuminates the challenges of poverty and gives professionals the knowledge they need to help students succeed - both in school and for the rest of their lives."--BOOK JACKET.