This Study Circle is based on research conducted by a team led by Victoria Purcell-Gates. Their research examines the relationships between two dimensions of literacy instruction (the degree of authenticity of activities and texts and the degree of student/teacher collaboration) and changes in the literacy practices of students outside the classroom. In Session One, the Study Circle group will examine teaching and learning in an authentic context and how the research was conducted. Session Two includes discussion of the theory of contextualized instruction and how it looks in practice. In the final session, Session Three, the group will examine ways that they might implement contextualized teaching in their classes, including ways to better know students' contexts. Each session includes discussion of the readings and how ideas generated from the readings can be applied to the program contexts of group members. The Facilitator needs to be flexible and may need to modify some activities to fit the needs and learning styles of Study Circle participants. This Study Circle Guide should be used as a guide, not a rigid script. Six appendices are included: (1) Study Circle Flyer; (2) Pre-Meeting Packet of Readings and Handouts; (3) Session One Materials; (4) Session Two Materials; (5) Resources for the Facilitator; and (6) Feedback Form for NCSALL.