“Every day, educators encounter many students who can sound out individual words on the page but struggle to comprehend the text they are reading. This timely, approachable volume brings together an extraordinary group of reading experts to share proven principles and techniques for teaching language comprehension. Topics range from promoting content-rich language instruction, to leveraging better assessments and new technologies, to integrating linguistic diversity as a central feature—not a special case—in today’s classrooms. This book addresses all of the elements most essential to improving our students’ literacy performance and life outcomes.”

—Michael Kieffer, EdD, Department of Teaching and Learning, New York University


“Providing a vital corrective to foundational skills mandates, this volume addresses the importance of rich language development occurring alongside—not after—phonics instruction. Contributors address the complex needs of diverse learners, including multilingual students and speakers of African American English, through culturally responsive approaches that honor students' linguistic assets while building academic success. Teachers, coaches, and teacher educators will find research-proven strategies and concrete solutions for fostering language's critical role in reading comprehension.”

—Elfrieda H. Hiebert, PhD, President and CEO, TextProject