Content Matters: A Disciplinary Literacy Approachto Improving Student Learning - Paperback

by Stephanie M. McConachie (Author), Anthony R. Petrosky (Author), Lauren B. Resnick (Foreword by)

An authoritative guide for improving teaching, learning, and literacy in content area classrooms

This book introduces teachers to the Disciplinary Literacy instructional framework developed by the Institute for Learning, University of Pittsburgh. Grounded in the Principles of Learning developed by acclaimed educator Lauren Resnick, the framework is designed to prepare students, grades 6 and up, to master the rigorous academic content learning required for college success. Unlike 'generic' teaching models, the framework is specifically tailored for each of the content disciplines. Highly practical, the book shows teachers how to integrate literacy development and thinking practices into their routine content instruction, with separate chapters devoted to math, science, history, and English/language arts. The book also shows how school instructional leaders can support teachers in learning and using this instructional approach.

• Offers an innovative approach for improving literacy, thinking, and content learning in secondary students
• Includes detailed instructional guidance plus numerous classroom examples of lessons, dialogs, and teaching routines
• Features chapters on each of the content areas-math, science, language arts, and social sciences
• Provides leadership guidance in implementing the method
• Foreword written by internationally acclaimed educator and cognitive scientist Lauren Resnick

Back Jacket

Content Matters

This important book offers an authoritative guide for improving teaching, learning, and literacy in content area classrooms. Edited by two experts on the topic, Content Matters introduces teachers to the Disciplinary Literacy instructional framework developed by the famed Institute for Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. Grounded in the Principles of Learning that were developed by acclaimed educator Lauren B.Resnick, the framework is designed to prepare students in grades 6 and up to master the rigorous academic content learning required for college success.

Unlike most 'generic' teaching models, the framework is specifically tailored for each of the content disciplines. The content chapters offer cases of teachers and students in middle and high schools working together in English/language arts, history, mathematics, and science. The chapters tell the story of teaching and learning in the disciplines. Designed to be a highly practical resource, the book shows teachers how to integrate literacy development and thinking practices into their routine content instruction. Comprehensive in scope, the book also shows how school instructional leaders can support teachers in learning and using this instructional approach.

Praise for Content Matters

"Content Matters bridges the gap between idealized plans and practical actions for improving adolescent literacy. It is an excellent resource for growing teacher practice and improving teacher effectiveness." --JERRI LIPPERT, chief academic officer, Pittsburgh Public Schools

"Finally, a book that draws on school-based experiences backed up by emerging research findings. If you believe that all students in your school district can develop the rigorous academic content required for college success, then reading this practical book provides a road map for actualizing that belief." --PAT FORGIONE, former superintendent, Austin Independent School District

Author Biography

Stephanie M. McConachie is a fellow at the Institute for Learning at the Learning Research and Development Center of the University of Pittsburgh. Anthony R. Petrosky is professor and associate dean at the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh. Headed by distinguished scholar, Lauren B. Resnick, the Institute for Learning (IFL) provides consultation, coaching, and professional development services to schools and districts in areas of leadership and instructional practice.