If you're looking for ways to ground your practices in research, take a look at the classroom-tested ideas backed by research and theory in The Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy the “only literacy journal published exclusively for teachers of older learners.” While the journal is offered with individual or institutional International Reading Association membership, journal articles can be purchased individually and reviews of YA and classroom materials are free online.
Paterson, P.O., & Elliott, L.N. (2006, February).” Struggling Reader to Struggling Reader: High School Students' Responses to a Cross-Age Tutoring Program.” Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(5), 378-389. A cross-age tutoring program in which struggling ninth-grade readers in a leadership position teach reading to struggling second- and third-grade students. The goal was to improve the vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension of the older students.
Singer, J., & Shagoury, R. (2005, December).”Stirring Up Justice: Adolescents Reading, Writing, and Changing the World.” Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(4), 318-339. Two educators report on their collaboration in an urban high school in Portland, Oregon, to create a classroom where students of diverse backgrounds learned to ask critical questions, to support one another, and to work toward positive social change. Using a range of literacy activities, including reading biographies of activists, creating gallery displays, writing essays, revising written work, interviewing activists, and teaching other class members, the students learned the power of using their literacy to make changes in the world.
Parr, J.M., & Maguiness, C. (2005, October). “Removing the Silent From SSR: Voluntary Reading as Social Practice.” Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 49(2), 98-107. Three teachers worked with a secondary school reading expert to identify elements of effective instructional conversations and then implemented these “book talks” with a small group of students about once a week over a school year. Sample transcripts show how students learned to discuss their reading, choosing and engaging with text.
