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Members of the new editorial team for Language Arts introduce themselves, emphasizing their belief that “language and literacy practices are critical, semiotic, and digital.” They also introduce this issue’s theme of “Shaping Early Literacy Policy and Practice,” stating that four powerful influences shape such policy: government, business, professional associations, and the workplace. Even with all this attention and investment, however, the achievement gap remains, and teachers struggle to deliver quality teaching in a prescriptive environment. Articles are included that provide readers with ways to challenge and work within existing contexts, while Richard Allington and P. David Pearson discuss the effects of policy on early literacy development. (The website includes their conversation in a podcast.) Donald Graves is also remembered by Tom Romano, and a podcast with Romano and Penny Kittle honor his memory. Research and Policy takes on the Common Core Standards, and both professional and children’s books are reviewed.