Offers a principled conception of reading & learning to read that considers both personal dimensions of literacy & current societal changes; summarizes key research findings on effective teaching; describes current practices; & suggests an action agenda. " Clearly and concisely written, yet with detail and many excellent examples. This book offers a comprehensive review of the relevant research, asks and addresses questions that should be challenging educators and schools, and delineates a framework that educators can use to change and produce more effective reading programs. The topics covered are very relevant in today's educational debate over standards and good practice. Going beyond a call for change and offering a plan and a means to carry it out is significant and new."—Kim S. BakerThe Sage Colleges