It is difficult to deny that many U.S. middle and high school students are in need of special literacy supports. Several indicators of declining literacy achievement have shifted national attention toward struggling and striving adolescent readers. More than ever, secondary schools are under enormous pressure to find ways of improving performance…

The two terms reading problems and learning disabilities are not synonymous. Nevertheless, an increasing number of children who have reading problems are being labeled as learning disabled. Given the growing numbers of children failing to become competent readers, the fact that more and more of these children are being identified and treated as…

This book recounts personal experiences at the University of Iowa summer reading program from 1988 to 1994 and the children in the program who are all viewed as "reading disabled." The children ranged in age from 8 to 12 years and in reading ability from recognizing fewer than 15 words to reading at a late second or early third grade…

Reading programs in elementary and secondary schools are often ineffective because principals have not had adequate preparation to assume leadership roles in such programs and are therefore unable--or unwilling--to take control of the reading program. Successful reading programs are characterized by leadership, direction, and support from…