Literacy for the 21st Century - Brossura

Gail E. Tompkins is a Professor at California State University, Fresno, in the Department of Literacy and Early Education, where she teaches courses in reading, language arts, and writing for preservice teachers and students in the reading/language arts master's degree program. She directs the San Joaquin Valley Writing Project and works regularly with teachers, both by teaching model lessons in classrooms and by leading staff development programs. Recently Dr. Tompkins was inducted into the California Reading Association's Reading Hall of Fame in recognition of her publications and other accomplishments in the field of reading. She has also been awarded the prestigious Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching at California State University, Fresno.

Previously, Dr. Tompkins taught at Miami University in Ohio and at the University of Oklahoma in Norman where she received the prestigious Regents' Award for Superior Teaching. She was also an elementary teacher in Virginia for eight years.

Dr. Tompkins is the author of three books published by Merrill/Prentice Hall: Teaching Writing: Balancing Process and Product, 3rd ed. (2000 ), 50 Literacy Strategies (1998 ), and Language Arts: Content and Teaching Strategies, 5th ed. (2002). She has written numerous articles related to reading and language arts that have appeared in The Reading Teacher, Language Arts, and other professional journals.

Based on four contemporary theories of literacy learning―constructivist, sociolinguistic, interactive, and reader response―this best-selling text exposes readers to sound methodology infused with authentic examples of best practice. Utilizing highly readable text and many samples of student work, the author demonstrates how to implement a balanced literacy program by engaging students with literature, critical skills, and strategies.

• New English Language Learners teaching notes provide meaningful adaptations for reading and writing strategies, pinpointing way. teachers can help second language learners who are learning to read or who struggle with English literacy.
• Newly expanded coverage of assessment includes specific examples of Assessment Tools, as well as Assessment Resources, a feature providing website and journal references.
• Two free CD-ROMs of real classroom footage, fully integrated into the text with margin notes and a color insert, give users an intimate look at balancing reading instruction in both primary end middle grades.
• The Compendium of Instructional Procedures presents step-by-step instructions for 38 popular teaching practices.
• How Effective Teachers . . . lists it the end of each chapter describe effective teaching practices.

A fully integrated Companion Website provides users with access to self assessments, research, activities, and an online journal:
www.prenhall.com/tompkins