Learn YA Lit with Me (Ch.18)

The one where Ms. Shattuck learns about "NCTE's Call to Action: What We Know about Adolescent Literacy Instruction."

I'm taking a class on Young Adult literature this semester at SHSU and am required to blog about each chapter that I read, so I thought I'd create a series to share with my blog friends. Welcome to Chapter 18.

Summary:

This chapter takes you to the direct link for NCTE's "Call to Action." The purpose of the text is to provide a research based resource for educators and those alike in order to help with instruction in literacy. They recognize the ongoing, developmental process and the struggle teachers on the secondary level face when giving this instruction.

The dimensions of Adolescent Literacy mentioned in this article include:

Incorporation of Disciplinary Literacy Instruction: which just means specialized reading strategies for complex texts.
Integration of Multiple and Social Literacies:which means "multiple message streams."
Orchestration of Engagement and Motivation: this means way sto help motivate and engage these readers.
Appreciation of Multicultural Perspectives and Cultures: including those divers books and literature pieces mentioned in the previous chapters.

The website also includes "Implications for the Teaching of Reading." This section advocates for conversation and discussion, and the elimination of "one right answer" for analyzing texts. It claims teachers need to acknowledge cultural frameworks, and the challenges that can be faced within these frameworks.

It goes on to include "What Adolescent Readers Need" which outlines things they require in order to face the literacy issues. This includes practicing critical thinking, critical examination of texts, Assessments to help focus, and the choice/volume of reading.

This is followed, and ended, by "What Teachers of Adolescent Readers Need." that shows a list of things teachers require for this process.

Reflection:

This is a very well researched call to action that requires further thought and consideration. It has several references that can benefit teachers who need this type of advocacy in their corner, especially for districts that do not value a library media center.