Steps to Success: Crossing the Bridge Between Literacy Research and Practice
Reviewed by Beth Beschorner, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato on 2/8/17
Comprehensiveness
As the author states, "this book spans many topics related to literacy teaching and learning". Chapters are included on several topics related to literacy research and instructional practices that are fundamental to understanding the key aspects of children's development of literacies, literacy research, and effective instructional practices for a wide range of learners. Some of the chapters are quite specific in scope and, therefore, might not be applicable for all pre-service and/or in-service teachers (e.g. the chapter that focuses on twenty-first century perspectives attends to issues in adolescent literacy and not younger children). However, these chapters would be pertinent in specific coursework, areas of study or preparation, etc.
Content Accuracy
The content is based on seminal research in the area of literacies. Each of the topics that are presented in the book accurately include the main ideas and supporting information about the topic.
Relevance/Longevity
Given the ever-evolving nature of platforms, and related skills and strategies, for literacies, and the subsequent influence on literacy practices and related instruction, this is a difficult question to answer. However, it seems that it will be quite possible for this text to be easily updated over time in order to remain current.
Clarity
This text utilizes straightforward language and often defines terms that might be unfamiliar to the reader. Moreover, the author has included links that provide more information, examples, videos, etc. to illustrate some terms. For example, in chapter ten the author describes the instructional strategy known as a gallery walk. There is a link included within the text that takes the reader to a website that includes a description of a gallery walk and provides a short video illustrating the practice.
Consistency
This is an edited book. Therefore, several authors have contributed to the content and ideas in the book. However, the text in each chapter clearly articulates the underlying theoretical perspectives about the content in each chapter, includes a research base for the topic, and provides examples of applications in real classroom contexts. This common text structure is consistent and, therefore, aids the reader.
Modularity
The structure of this text is a strength. Specifically, the chapters are organized by significant topics in literacy instruction and can be read together or separately. Given the broad scope of the topics that are included in the text (e.g. writing in elementary schools, adolescent literacy, etc.), it is likely that instructors might choose to use some, but not all, of the content.
Organization/Structure/Flow
The organization of the book is strength of the text. The structure of the text includes an abstract, objectives, and a summary with questions and activities. Additionally, the chapters are organized into short sections with bold headings that often describe instructional practice and the research that supports those practices.
Interface
Several of the references for each chapter include links to the actual article or other source. This is a fabulous addition for any reader of this text, because the reader can explore the research/references more deeply by following the links that have been included. This might be a particularly useful feature for students that are studying a specific topic.
Grammatical Errors
The text contains no grammatical errors.
Cultural Relevance
In general, this text promotes culturally relevant instructional practices by including a diverse set of classroom examples in each chapter. Further, there are chapters that are specifically focused on inclusive practices for all children.