Teachers need to teach comprehensive strategies directly. Teachers should devote more time to teaching strategies for understanding not only stories but also social studies and science texts. Workbook and skill sheet tasks take too much of the time allotted for reading. These should be pared to the minimum that will actually contribute to growth in reading. Students should do more extended writing.
Writing is most beneficial when students have a reason to communicate to a genuine audience.
Priority should be given to independent reading. Two hours a week of independent reading should be expected by the time children are in the third or fourth grade. To do this, children need ready access to books and guidance in choosing appropriate and interesting books. Reading should emphasize works that represent the core of our cultural heritage.