Language Arts and Literacy in the Middle Grades (2nd Edition)

From two prominent scholars in the field comes a book that addresses language arts and literacy in the middle grades. Complete with authentic cases and classroom examples, the book examines research and theory-based approaches to teaching literacy in the middle school classroom. This edition includes a stronger focus on culturally relevant pedagogy and the needs of English Language Learners, as well as Standards in Practice sections, which help teachers incorporate state and national standards into planning and instruction.  Using a teacher-as-inquirer model, the book offers many resources to improve existing literacy programs and individual teaching techniques.

The climate of the middle school and the behaviors of middle school students have changed over time, reflective of social and economic influences of society. Greater numbers of these students are failing and dropping out of school even before they get to high school. This phenomenon includes many students who struggle with attaining literacy and raises many questions for you as a middle school teacher.

•       How do you realize the responsibilities and challenges of teaching adolescents who are ‘in the middle, transitioning from their schooling and experiences as a young child to the academic rigors and societal expectations as young adults?
•       How do you develop communities of learning and literacy development while maintaining a safe and healthy school environment?
•       How do you encourage students to stay in school and reach higher levels of literacy?

 Language Arts and Literacy in the Middle Grades helps you answer these questions and successfully meet the needs of students “caught in the middle” through practical methodologies and tools that include:  

•       For Your Consideration–chapter opening vignettes that present a range of middle school teaching experiences, asking readers to unpack the issues pivotal for teaching in middle schools and students’ literacy learning.
•       Classroom Cases–that showcase experienced and student teachers sharing their individual triumphs and struggles to support students’ literacy development and school success, offering multiple models and techniques for approaching literacy teaching and learning.
•       Standards in Practice–that invite readers to consider various aspects of teaching philosophies and practices in conjunction with the INTASC English Language Arts Standards, National Board Certification Standards, National Middle School Association recommendations, NCTE/IRA Standards, and individual state standards.
•       Language Lenses–that identify where various forms of literacy are regarded through four language lenses; reading and viewing, writing, talking and listening, and language study.
•       Fieldwork Journal–that feature a variety of informal tools and techniques for inquiry and opportunities for guided reflection.