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November 21, 1997
FOSTERING LITERACY THROUGHOUT K-12 EDUCATION: FOCUS ON READING

Debates about literacy instruction are ongoing at multiple levels across the nation's school systems. There is widespread recognition that literacy is assuming an ever more central role in the workplace. Workers in the 21st century's information-based economy will need to use reading skills to acquire, synthesize and apply formal knowledge from multiple sources and diverse media, including electronic resources such as the World Wide Web. The nation's economic well-being and global competitiveness will require workers to be skilled in applying literacy skills to complex problem-solving. Lack of literacy skills will continue to be a primary factor associated with poverty, unemployment, crime, and other social problems.

Our nation's schools must build literacy skills throughout the grade levels, but there has been considerable controversy over the best way to do this. Advocates of basic skills instruction in reading, for example, emphasize the importance of phonics, discrete decoding skills, spelling, and grammar in the elementary grades. Advocates of whole language instruction emphasize authentic literature, appreciation of meaning and nuance in reading, motivating student interest through exposing them to the richness of language and the pleasure of reading, and encouraging children's creative engagement with books and writing.

Across the U.S., the majority of school districts have begun to implement a "balanced" approach to literacy which includes both basic skills and engaging approaches for studying literature and writing. Concerns about enhancing students' success as readers have led to an emphasis on other proven approaches that go beyond conventional classroom instruction. These include encouraging parents to read with their children, involvement of parents and other adults in reading instruction as aides and tutors, and exposing children and adolescents to print-rich environments and to reading across the curriculum.

What's New On the 'Net

What's New of the Net identifies World Wide Web sites that are excellent resources for enhancing reading and literacy throughout grades K through 12. The links include sites that contain exceptional collections of literature: children's books as well as classics spanning the centuries. These Web sites can be used in teaching reading, writing, literature, history, or social studies, to incorporate high quality Web-based learning experiences into instruction, for homework assignments, or as general resources for teachers or parents.


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