An Essential History of Current Reading Practices

"The history presented here is largely the history of reading instruction over the past 50 years...the near history that one can still see in the debates, the initiatives, the programs, and the lessons of today."
Richard L. Allington, University of Tennessee, and past-president, International Reading Association

With this volume, educators will inform themselves about the key research and trends that have shaped and given direction to reading education over the last half-century.
The contributors leading experts in the field review landmark studies, highlighting political and social pressures that have influenced research, policy, and classroom practice. Eleven chapters explore the historical underpinnings of the reading process, phonics, family literacy, guided reading, comprehension, fluency, content area reading, children s literature, remedial and clinical reading, vocabulary and spelling, and teacher education and professional development. Each chapter presents questions for future research as well as "Essential Readings" resource lists to provide a jump-off point for further study.
The authors share their deep understanding of critical topics that have influenced reading education over the past 50 years. From them, you will gain perspective, ground your own work, and explore the rich, varied interpretations reading research and practice.