The Right to Literacy in Secondary Schools

This inspirational resource challenges educators to view adolescent literacy as a “civil right” that enables students to understand essential content and to develop as independent learners. Edited by the Vice President of Education at the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC), a nonprofit that is nationally known for its expertise in literacy and professional development, the book is a call to action and a practical guide for reform-minded schools and districts, and for teachers seeking to help all adolescent learners achieve at high levels. It is replete with vivid illustrations of exemplary classroom practice across all content areas. It also offers important frameworks to help teachers implement those practices in their own schools. Perfect for professional learning communities, study groups, and individual teachers, this book:

• Offers schools and districts inspiration and guidance for undertaking a whole-school inquiry about adolescent learning, thinking, and literacy.
• Shows the specific role that literacy plays in each of the core content areas: math, science, social studies, and language arts.
• Includes proven tips for secondary and middle school teachers, based on the work of teachers in classrooms where students are achieving at high levels.
• Provides the common concepts and strategies necessary to help an entire faculty implement the models presented in the book.

Suzanne Plaut, Ed.D., is Vice President of Education at the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC).

“This must-read from PEBC is for all secondary teachers and leaders who want students to become powerful independent thinkers and change agents.”
—Wendy D. Puriefoy, Public Education Network

“As the contributors to this valuable book demonstrate, literacy is a necessity in a democracy that is healthy and respectful of its citizens. We count on it.” —From the Foreword by Theodore R. Sizer, Founder and Chair, Coalition for Essential Schools

“Do you rationalize that blasting through content saves time? Deep down do you know that learners need time to process, but you’re afraid of not ‘getting to everything?’ If this is you, The Right to Literacy in Secondary Schools is a must read. It will not only allay fears about giving students time to wrestle with understanding, it will also inspire and invigorate those wishing to go beyond content coverage.”
—Cris Tovani, Tovani Group, author of Do I Really Have to Teach Reading?