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This mixed method study compared how student teachers rated their ability in implementing components of content area literacy compared to their clinical educators’ perceptions of the  student teachers’ actual performance. The researchers collaborated with K-12 clinical educators to develop a scaled survey to rate level of skill in four components of content literacy instruction. 112 clinical educators (CEs) and 183 student teachers (STs) representing five teacher licensure programs completed the survey. A two-way multivariate analysis of variance measured the effect of Role (CE and ST) and Teacher Licensure Program on ability perception. Results indicated that Role and Program each significantly affected ratings of the four content literacy component skills measured, but the effect of Role did not significantly differ based on Program. Participants’ written explanations of their ability ratings revealed how their mental models of content literacy accounted for differences in ability perception by Role. Implications are provided for enhancing pre-service teachers’ perceptual and qualitative awareness of the practices that underlie highly effective content-area literacy instruction.

Reading intervention programs provide the foundation for the educational success of students, especially those who are considered struggling readers. States across the country recently implemented legislation related to reading achievement, in which districts are required to provide specific literacy interventions to struggling readers in order to prevent retention. The choice in reading instructional programs has long-term impact on the future of students, as it is these programs that determine the need for retention in response to this legislation. This research study examines the factors that affect the decision of an urban district in selecting a reading intervention program to support struggling readers. The primary data sources include interviews and observations of two teachers who have chosen different reading intervention programs within the district. This study provides insights into schools currently affected by this policy and how they are choosing to respond to the new demands. The research question is: What factors influence an urban school district's decision about specific reading instruction programs for struggling readers in response to state legislation requirements?

Digital storytelling is a way to utilize evidence-based practices in an online context that incorporates foundational literacy content with digital tools. Two literacy professors sought to maximize candidate learning and engagement through authentic, purposeful practices. This chapter details the utilization of a digital literacy portfolio assignment as part of an online, collaborative context to facilitate candidates' articulation of beliefs and understandings about effective literacy instruction. As candidates engage across both the face-to-face and online contexts, they develop understandings about effective literacy instruction, the application of digital tools in the classroom instruction, and a lived sense of the content of the ILA Standards that will inform their future practice. While teacher education programs face political scrutiny and intense pressure to incorporate vast amounts of content, the assignment described in this chapter provides an opportunity to facilitate candidates' learning in an online environment.

California couple Sarah and Ian Hoffman are the authors of Jacob’s New Dress (2014), Jacob’s Room to Choose (2019), and Jacob’s School Play (2021). The duo, who live in San Francisco with their two children, were inspired to write these books based on their experience raising their gender nonconforming son. They are passionate about making sure children see themselves in literature and represent their experiences in sensitive, informative ways.Sarah is a developer and Ian, an architect. By day, they renovate old homes together. Both have written and illustrated an array of articles and books in their other careers. The “Jacob” books, however, are their labor of love as a couple. Passionate about the issues they write about in their books, Sarah and Ian are a delight to talk with, and an inspirational couple.