English Textbooks

Kim Littwin Ryan Blackwell

So hot they’ll set you on fire.

Battle of the Text-es

VS.

According To Standards

6th-8th Grade Readers

• Analyze meaning of words in their context

• Identify text structure

•Create Visuals

• Check for understanding

• Compare how authors use text to express their ideas

9th Grade Readers

• Expand knowledge of words using metaphors & similes

• Clarify meaning

• Analyze themes

• Relate Reading to outside material

• Analyze how authors use text to express their ideas

What Do Adolescents Deserve?

1) Wide access of reading material that they can and want to read

2) Instruction that builds skill & desire to read

3) Assessments that show them their strengths & needs as readers

4) Teachers who understand the differences of individual readers & respect those differences

5) Teachers who model & provide instruction in comprehension & study strategies

Bridges to Literature

• Level 3: Freshmen reading at the 6-8th grade level

•Visually-Based–More “hands-on” assessments–Activity Suggestions–Comprehension Focused

• Designed for students reading below the “normal” reading level

Glencoe Literature

• 9th grade

•Text-Based

–Recall - Less Activities

–Interpret - Learners Understand

–Evaluate

• Designed for students reading at their suggested reading level

Clear Language and Design

Using the Clear Language and

Design Reading Effectiveness

Tool To Determine Readability

» Expected Reading Level: 9

» Actual Reading Level: 9.5

» Expected Reading Level: 9

» Actual Reading Level: 5.5

Who wins??

Works Cited

Unrau, Norman. Content Area Reading and Writing. 2nd ed.

Columbus: Pearson, 2008. 23.