A synthesis of current directions in reading research, theory and practice unified by what has been referred to as the engagement perspective of reading. The work represents the key components of the National Reading Research Center in the USA.

This publication outlines balancing principles for teaching elementary reading. It covers topics such as professional stance, principles and practices, and future plans.

This book appears at a time when the crisis rhetoric about schools, teaching, and learning to read is extremely high. There is a rising call within the profession for a balanced perspective on reading. Balancing Principles for Teaching Elementary Reading aspires to help set the agenda for improving the quality of literacy instruction in the United States--by recentering the debate from "What's better, 'whole language' or 'phonics'?" to "What can we do in reading instruction to prepare all children for the literacy demands of the next century?"
The authors, all members of the...