The need to know why as well as how children and youth respond as they do to reading instruction has guided the selection of this book’s content. The second edition of this title, originally published in 1990, has retained and elaborated upon the three major themes previously presented: that reading is a linguistic process; that motivation, the affective domain, may be as important in learning to read as the cognitive domain; and that the reality of learning theory is to be found in the mechanisms of the brain where information is mediated and memory traces are stored. The text integrates views from cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, and neuropsychology as they relate to reading and writing. A learning-motivation model is provided to present associative learning, conceptualization, and self-directed reading in a hierarchical relationship with distinct cognitive and affective components. The distinction between beginning and proficient reading is maintained throughout the text.

Noting that the task of increasing literacy around the world is far too massive for the schools alone to undertake, this book is intended as part of an effort to increase the role of parents and families in promoting the reading development of children. The six articles in the book discuss the following topics: (1) family contributions to reading attainment; (2) opportunities to use family resources for reading in the developing countries of Africa and of Southeast Asia; (3) family forces for preschool development of health, vocabulary, and perceptual skills; (4) family forces for early school development of language fluency and beginning reading; and (5) the role of families in curriculum planning and tutoring in reading and in developing cultural appreciation. (FL)

In Mobilizing the Community to Help Students Succeed, Hugh B. Price shares the lessons learned while helping to do just that during his tenure as president of the National Urban League. Here, find out how educators can apply some of the same tactics to inspire and award academic achievement in even the most challenged school districts. Using real-life examples and shared wisdom from successful educators and community organizers coast to coast, Price describes ways to * Create initiatives such as community-based honor societies, parades, and rallies to motivate students and reward achievement; * Include parents in motivational efforts to rekindle students' natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning; * Enlist the support of businesses and other community partners for both financial support and volunteer help; * Maximize use of the media to publicize student accomplishments; and * Set up programs that honor student achievement year-round. According to Price, a highly informed and engaged community is essential to closing the achievement gap. This book underscores that community-based efforts to motivate student success can be effective because they have been effective. The message for educators, parents, business and civic leaders, and members of the general public is that their consistent and creative involvement will result in invigorated youngsters, inspired to achieve in school and in life.