A Vision for Adolescent Literacy: Ours or Theirs?

Abstract

This article argues for adolescent literacy specialists to take a stand against current trends for improving adolescent literacy with simplistic solutions such as high-stakes assessments coupled with teacher bonuses for improved test scores. Professionals need to create their own visions about ways to improve adolescent literacy—and make their visions public. The author provides an example by identifying and explaining four overlapping ideas essential to development of readers, writers, and learners in secondary schools: • Classroom communities and relationships • Direct strategy instruction and teacher modeling • Internalizing principles and philosophy of learning • Professional expertise Educators must take a stronger advocacy role to ensure that adolescents become successful readers, writers, and learners.