Comprehension

=// **a place to start...** //= //So much information is out there, so we suggest starting with the following resources when thinking about comprehension.//

[|Doing What Works: Adolescent Literacy Comprehension Strategies]
This USDE site includes a wealth of information and tools especially for professional development opportunities. Be sure to explore all four sections: //Practice Summary, Learn What Works, See How it Works//, and //Do What Works//. The research studies to support the practices are outlined in the //Research Evidence// tab in //Learn What Works//. In the //Do What Works// section, see the //Tools and Templates// tab for helpful resources such as a teacher self-assessment and PD planning templates.
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 * See the [|Center on Instruction link]to download the Adolescent Literacy Inventory which outlines and describes the material on the //Doing What Works// site.

[|Center on Instruction: Adolescent Literacy Resources]
a plethora of research, information, and tools regarding adolescent literacy. This site has many powerful resources. Consider these especially:
 * [|Webinar Series: Academic Literacy Communtiy of Practice] In this collection of webinars (from April - June 2010), experts such as Deschler, C. Shannahan, and Scarcella share their research, instructional tools, and answers to participant questions. Consider clipping these to use with teachers. (For example in the third webinar, beginning at 53:03, Dr. Don Deschler talks through a unit organizer and a concept diagram to support content literacy.)
 * [|Bringing Literacy Strategies into Content Instruction] : This document focuses on the effective use of text in the content areas. It reviews the pertinent research, includes suggestions for how teachers can help students better understand concepts and vocabulary in content text, and discusses how to assist schools through professional development.
 * [|Effective Instruction for Adolescent Struggling Readers [4-12]] : This collection of resources " is designed to guide the delivery of instruction for adolescent struggling readers" and "seeks to deepen technical assistance providers’ knowledge of reading-related issues for adolescents with reading difficulties and learning disabilities". It includes PowerPoint presentations and TOT materials among many helpful resources.

Keys to Literacy Articles and instructional materials to download