This document contains texts for two resolutions adopted by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in July 1998 regarding Beginning Reading Instruction and in July 2006, regarding Adolescent Literacy. A Question & Answer section follows the resolutions, addressing the following issues: (1) Reasons for focus on reading; (2) Differing views on teaching beginning reading; (3) Research on regular education students versus special education research; (4) "Balanced approach" to beginning reading instruction; (5) Professional autonomy; (6) Role of paraprofessionals in helping children read; (7) Appropriate use of diagnostic assessments in kindergarten and first grade; (8) Multifaceted aspects of adolescent literacy; (9) Consensus on adolescent literacy research; (10) Role of content teachers in improving adolescent literacy; and (11) Recommended support for middle and high school students with lagging reading levels. Background information related to beginning reading instruction is taken from the introduction to a series of articles on learning to read (Liz McPike) and discusses what is known about how best to help children learn to read. Background related to adolescent literacy also discusses what is not known regarding matching key elements to student need and delivery methods. The document concludes with background and additional reading suggestions: both AFT publications and external publications are included.