Literacy 3-13

This text illustrates how successful teachers, whose students have not only learned to read and write but also have learned to love reading and writing, have integrated some of the most important research findings into a workable philosophy and practice in their classrooms. There is an emphasis on good practice with teaching in special educational needs settings, and on international efforts that have attempted to integrate good literacy practice in demanding situations. Brigid Smith writes to inspire the reader. She informs them about possible ways forward in their teaching practice and encourages them to undertake work in their own classrooms that would contribute to knowledge about literacy in practice. The development of literacy in the curriculum is reviewed, both in the UK and overseas, and how teachers view this situation is analysed. She covers the transfer of theory into practice and provides solutions and long-term strategies for improvement. Smith identifies the needs of both the teachers and the pupils and discusses how these might be met. She looks at the future of literacy in education and in particular what needs to be changed and what needs to be retained.