4.++Six+Focus+Areas

A.. Connect reading and writing. Capitalize on student practical and occupational interests by utilizing career-/work-related reading material, including journals, trade newsletters, professional association Web sites and manuals. Have students write journals about their reading and prepare written assignments and reports. Students can also work in teams to prepare reports as they would in their career areas.

B. Read aloud. Though many teachers may think this an elementary strategy, it is widely known that reading aloud is an effective strategy to teach reading. Also, the teacher should model this behavior by reading aloud too.

C. Recognize alternative literacy approaches. Students are spending more and more time surfing the Internet, texting and blogging. Teachers can incorporate these reading approaches into their classrooms. Use technology to locate information.

D. Provide alternative reading materials for students who need remediation. Students rarely start and stay at the same reading pace. Many students may need to "prime the pump" before they can advance to more sophisticated content. Teachers may need to provide students reading material that strengthens their ability to read before they engage them in content. Some students may also need information on how to actually use the components of a textbook such as an index or glossary.

E. Literacy-rich classroom environment. Teachers should make reading a priority in their classrooms. This will be evident by the amount, and type of reading material available to students. Classrooms should have a library and resource area, including magazines, reference books, newsletters, manuals, career guides, comic books and graphic novels available for students to read.

F. Increase expectations for reading in and out of school. Be certain reading and writing are happening daily in your classroom. Also, encourage students to read away from school and provide incentives for it. Research on reading indicates that 20 percent of students spend no time reading in the typical school week. Also, students report spending only four minutes daily reading, but they watch as much as 130 minutes of television. Notify parents that you will be emphasizing reading in preparation for upcoming lessons.