Excellent Reading Teachers

Highlights from the IRA position statement.

Home Page	Taking It Forward
Introduction	Additional Resources
Philosophy	Reference page
Abstract	Constance Weaver on Schemata
Thesis Preparation	Synthesis of Guided Reading
Thesis Investigation	Definition of Terms

	Teachers make a difference!
	Excellent Reading Teachers understand reading and writing development and believe all children can learn to read and write.
	Excellent Reading Teachers continually assess children's individual progress and relate reading instruction to children's previous experiences.
	Excellent Reading Teachers know a variety of ways to teach reading, when to use each method, and how to combine the methods into an effective instructional program.
	Excellent Reading Teachers offer a variety of materials and texts for children to read.
	Excellent Reading Teachers use flexible grouping strategies to tailor instruction to individual students.
	Excellent Reading Teachers are good reading "coaches" by providing help strategically.
	Excellent Reading Teachers have strong content and pedagogical knowledge, manage classrooms so there is a high rate of engagement, use strong motivation strategies that encourage independent learning, and most importantly, have high expectations for children's achievement, and help children who are having difficulty.

Reference
International Reading Association (2000, October). Excellent reading teachers: A position statement of the International Reading Association. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy,44 (2), 193.