This book (the 72nd and last in the annual series) summarizes approximately 500 reports of reading research identified between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 1996. The research studies in the book are categorized into 6 major areas: (1) summaries of reading research; (2) teacher preparation and practice; (3) sociology of reading; (4) physiology and psychology of reading; (5) the teaching of reading; and (6) reading of atypical learners. All but the first category in the book are further subcategorized, and individual studies within subcategories are grouped by subject. An author index and a list of journals monitored conclude the book. (RS)

The summaries are grouped according to subject of the investigation. Summaries are brief and designed as a tool to find appropriate research rather than as replacements for reading the published articles.

Offering the wisdom that only experience and expertise in the field can bring, this book takes a critical look into the present and the future of literacy as envisioned by leading reading researchers. The lead author of each chapter is a distinguished reading researcher elected by their peers into the Reading Hall of Fame. A key message in this book is that literacy professionals must take an active role to shape change.

This book is a roadmap to the key decisions, processes, and procedures to use when synthesizing qualitative literacy research. Covering the major types of syntheses – including the dissertation literature review, traditional literature review, integrative literature review, meta-synthesis, and meta-ethnography – Compton-Lilly, Rogers, and Lewis Ellison offer techniques and frameworks to use when making sense of a large body of scholarship. Addressing the standard and untraditional forms a research synthesis can take, the authors provide clear and practical examples of synthesis designs and techniques, and consider how epistemological, ontological, and ethical questions arise when designing and adapting a research synthesis. The extensive appendices feature sample literature reviews, guidance on communication with editors of journals, useful charts, and more. The authors’ critical reflection and analysis demonstrates how a research synthesis is not simply a means to an end, but rather reflects each scholar’s interests, target audience, and message. This book is crucial reading for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early career and more experienced researchers in literacy education.