The Principal's Guide to Raising Reading Achievement

By Elaine K. McEwan

"I found the

Principal′s Guide to Raising Reading Achievement to be an excellent source of information for any elementary school principal who is concerned about the level of reading achievement in his/her school. The book contains not only an excellent and balanced discussion of some of the major controversies in the area of reading instruction, but also shows how these controversies should not be a stumbling block to providing a balanced, comprehensive instructional program for children."
Joseph Torgesen, Professor of Psychology
Florida State University

Now you can plan and set the tone for making sure reading levels go up in your school. McEwan offers common-sense ways to change the way your students learn to read.

The author states three important goals:

Realize and use the power you have to create a "school of readers" Keep up with the available research on how to teach reading more effectively so that you and your teachers can decide what methods will work best for your students Learn and use the eight key components included in this book to raise student reading achievement

The author begins by explaining why your students can′t read as well as they should. She shows you changes you can make right away to start raising your students′ reading levels. McEwan summarizes the debate between phonics and whole language and helps you understand how a balanced approach can work for your students.

Find out what you need to boost reading scores at your school. The book shows you:

The eight big ideas essential to improving your students′ reading What your students need to know about reading and learning Thirty-plus things you can do tomorrow to raise reading achievement Teaching-reading-related web sites you can visit to get more help for your students A recommended reading list to help you start your program

McEwan offers you the kind of practical guidance you need to start a productive reading improvement program in your school. She shows you the best ways to get buy-in from your teachers and how to build their enthusiasm and continued support. You′ll learn how you can involve your students′ families along with the greater community and begin to work toward your crucial shared goal of boosting students′ reading levels.

If you want to make a significant difference in your students′ reading abilities and scores and help them learn to like reading, this book can point the way.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803966288
• ISBN13: 9780803966284
• Release Date: April 1998
• Publisher: Corwin Publishers
• Length: 120 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 8.1" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

This is an excellent reference for any school principal.

I found the Principal's Guide to Increasing Reading Achievement to be an excellent source of information for any elementary school principal who is concerned about the level of reading achievement in his/her school. The book contains not only an excellent and balanced discussion of some of the major controversies in the area of reading instruction, but also shows how these controversies should not be a stumbling block to providing a balanced, comprehensive instructional program for children. I found both the specific instructional advice and the advice on school management to be very sound, and reflective of what we currently understand about reading from research. I would recommend this book as one resource for any principal who is searching for ideas and guidance about increasing reading achievement in his/her school.Joseph K. Torgesen Professor Psychology Department Florida State University

No preaching -- just cold, hard facts -- McEwan's style

Ms.McEwan has written perhaps the best book in its field. I do not know of a better book which explains to principals exactly how they can raise the reading achievement of their students. The author never "preaches" nor tells principals what to do. She just puts the information in an easily read format and leaves the decisions to the perceptive abilities of principals. Ms. McEwan's book is full of resources, links, helpful information, current data, definitions, and explicit criterion. If people find themselves in the position of being first-year principals and they must set up a plan to improve their schools' reading scores, there is not a book which will give better guidance. If principals follow McEwan's strategies as given in this book, everyone on the staff will take ownership. The book explains with clarity most of the reading terminology and curriculum which are currently being used in our country. Through the use of quality references, the author leads principals through the "reading maze" so that when the administrators finish the book, they will have a clear sense of purpose. I believe that Ms. McEwan has written a book which will help principals to be true "instructional leaders" in the richest sense of the term.