“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


“Evidence based and teacher friendly, this book explores the 'whats' and 'how-tos' of implementing multi-component instructional strategies to support elementary students’ language and reading comprehension. Leading scholars describe cutting-edge research and give teachers tools they can start using immediately. Each chapter invites the reader in with guiding questions; reviews the literature; provides relatable vignettes and case studies; and asks teachers to reflect on their own current practices and how they might be improved to positively impact student learning.”

—Stephanie Al Otaiba, PhD, Centennial Chair in Teaching and Learning, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Southern Methodist University


“Amazing! A master class from some of the top researchers and instructors in language and literacy research and instruction with clear, practical classroom ideas and materials. This is a much-needed resource for language and literacy instruction that I plan to use immediately in my reading methods courses for both preservice and practicing teachers.”

—Jeanne Wanzek, PhD, Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University