Building Comprehension in Adolescents : Powerful Strategies for Improving Reading and Writing in Content Areas

Comprehension problems have become an epidemic: One out of every four secondary school students is unable to read and comprehend the material in textbooks.* Start addressing the root of the problem today with this practical guidebook, designed to strengthen adolescents¿ reading comprehension and written expression so they can master academic content. Developed for middle and high school teachers, this book helps educators improve students¿ reading and writing through Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD), an evidence-based instructional approach that shows students how to apply proven strategies independently to boost their school success. Teachers will get complete lesson plans for teaching strategies that use proven, validated SRSD methods that are based on sound instructional theory and have had documented positive effects. They¿ll discover ways to embed reading, writing, and organization strategies into science and social studies lessons, so students can sharpen their understanding of complex academic content. The lessons plans are classroom-ready and easy-to-use, with helpful lesson overviews and objectives, suggested teacher scripts, explicit step-by-step instructions, and detailed vignettes. Teachers will be able to help a wide range of struggling learners, from students with disabilities to learners who simply need extra supports. When students learn self-regulation strategies, teachers can assist one group while other students engage in productive independent work. Practical, photocopiable worksheets and other instructional materials make the lessons easy to implement in any classroom. Teachers will help students develop new skills with a variety of self-monitoring checklists, goal charts, self-instruction sheets, graphic organizers, and more. * The Alliance for Excellent Education, 2006