Youth in the Middle: Our Guides to Improved Literacy Instruction?

Alvermann urges teachers to “listen to their own students for guidance in adapting their instruction,” calling it both “feasible and worthwhile.” She says, “But having personal access to good directional ideas is not enough. Finding ways to turn those ideas into sound instructional practices (based on principles derived from equally sound research) requires something more.” She recommends these “four principled practices for the journey”: 1) Middle graders needs to generate and share their ideas about complex content area texts with others. 2) Middle graders thrive in active learning environments. 3) Middle graders need support in developing a critical awareness of what they read, view, and hear. 4) Middle graders need opportunities to connect literacies that span in- and out-of-school learning.