Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Reading Comprehension Success For Multilingual Learners, Meilian Wang

Masters Projects

Multilingual learners (MLs) often struggle with reading comprehension as they simultaneously develop English language proficiency and learn grade-level academic content. Although research has identified effective instructional strategies for supporting ML reading comprehension, many general education teachers feel underprepared to implement these strategies effectively. This project examines the research-based approaches for supporting ML’s reading comprehension while addressing the need for sustained professional learning and instructional coaching for classroom teachers. The literature reviewed in this project focuses on sociocultural theory, translanguaging, culturally responsive pedagogy, and the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP). There will be additional research-based instructional strategies such as explicit vocabulary …

Explicit Reading Comprehension Instruction: Developing An Evidence-Based Resource Guide For Upper Elementary Teachers, Amanda M. Moser

Masters Projects

Reading comprehension is a complex process that requires more than accurate decoding and word recognition. Many elementary students benefit from explicit instruction in the cognitive, linguistic, and metacognitive processes that support comprehension. The purpose of this project was to examine research on reading comprehension and develop evidence-based instructional resources for upper elementary teachers. The theoretical framework for this project draws on four perspectives: the Constructive-Integration Model (Kintsch, as discussed in Conner et al., 2016), Transactional Theory (Rosenblatt, 1978), Sociocultural Theory (Vygotsky, as discussed in Palincsar et al., 1987), and the Active View of Reading (Duke & Cartwright, 2021). Collectively, these …

Building Fluent Readers: Developing Comprehensive Reading Fluency In K-2 Classrooms, Erika Yersak

Masters Projects

Despite extensive research establishing reading fluency as essential to literacy development, many early elementary students fail to achieve grade-level fluency, compromising their reading comprehension and academic success.  Fluency instruction has been narrowed to measuring reading speed, dismissed beyond third grade, and taught as an isolated skill disconnected from authentic reading across content areas.  While research demonstrates that fluency encompasses accuracy, automaticity, and prosody and should be integrated meaningfully across disciplines, many K-2 teachers lack practical resources and guidance for implementing comprehensive fluency instruction in their classrooms.

To address this gap, this project presents a research-based fluency integration guidebook for K-2 …

Professional Development And Coaching To Support Teachers In Implementing Reading Interventions To Students With Dyslexia In Catholic Schools, Payton Elise Bosma

Masters Projects

Students with dyslexia need explicitly designed and implemented instruction in order to combat deficits in phonological, language, and executive functioning processes, yet teachers in Catholic Schools may not have the necessary training for successful reading intervention due to a lack of dyslexia policy in private schools. This project aims to fill this need by providing one Catholic School in an urban setting with a year-long professional development series which includes 5 professional development sessions to be implemented alongside individual coaching sessions. The purpose of the professional development sessions is twofold. They were created to increase teacher awareness of the etiology …

Beyond The Pencil: Creating Early Writers, Pamela L. Gernaat

Masters Projects

“Schools in many countries are faced with the challenge of developing student writing proficiency. Identifying and implementing effective writing instruction for young, beginning writers play important roles in improving student writing performance. Providing effective writing instruction to beginning writers can promote writing development and minimize the number of children who encounter challenges in learning to write” (Finlayson & McCrudden, 2022, p. 1). Despite the amount of research that has been done on the importance of early writing instruction, many lower elementary students struggle with the ability to write and cannot keep up with the cognitive demands of written instruction. Many …

Teaching Writing With Confidence: A Professional Learning Series To Build Special Education Teachers' Knowledge And Self-Efficacy For Explicit Writing Instruction, Lindsay E. Bowen

Masters Projects

Writing is an essential skill used to communicate ideas effectively, assess understanding, and demonstrate critical thinking across educational and workplace settings. Yet, research demonstrates that a majority of special education teacher preparation programs do not offer standalone courses in writing instruction methods, leaving many special education teachers to enter the profession with limited knowledge of effective writing instruction for students with high-incidence disabilities. This project explores current research on effective sentence-level writing instruction for students with high-incidence disabilities, as well as a research-based approach for applying these practices in a systematic yet adaptable manner to meet the needs of individual …

Preparing Newly-Hired Elementary Teachers For Evidence-Based Reading Instruction Through Professional Development, Sierra Rose Anthony

Masters Projects

There is a growing need to equip teachers with the knowledge and support necessary to foster student growth in reading. The problem addressed in this project is that many newly-hired teachers lack the knowledge, confidence, and instructional coaching needed to effectively implement evidence-based literacy practices in conjunction with high-leverage teaching practices. Newly-hired teachers include teachers who are new to a district, both those who have transferred from another school and those who are just beginning their teaching careers. This project proposes a year-long professional development program that equips newly-hired teachers with evidence-based literacy practices and high-leverage teaching practices through explicit …

Developing Confidence And Motivation In Writing Through Authentic And Collaborative Writing Approaches, Sara J. Weeks

Masters Projects

Writing is an expressive and complex process that takes time to develop, yet writing in middle school classrooms is primarily used as a way to demonstrate mastery of content rather than develop writers. Writing instruction is limited or used inefficiently in today’s classrooms, which gives students fewer opportunities to engage in authentic writing experiences. As a consequence, middle school students report a lack of confidence and motivation to write. These conditions contribute to stagnant writing achievement for middle school students. Research suggests that improving student writing outcomes requires writing environments that provide authentic, collaborative, and process-oriented writing experiences. However, these …

Everyone On The Line: Your Journey Begins Here, Brandy N. Pass

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

Connecting with students is an essential component of an effective English Language Arts classroom. Additionally, establishing a sense of self can be a tremendous asset for student achievement in the classroom. Intentional activities and curricular choices can have positive impacts on both connections and student self-awareness. Literature selections should reflect student populations as part of culturally sustaining pedagogies. While students should be exposed to a variety of cultures through the English Language Arts curriculum, incorporating aspects of their own culture reminds students of the value we place on them and their lifestyles, in addition to the other cultures we study. …

Returning With The Elixir: Transformation In Two Young Adult Novels, April Vázquez

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

The narrative structure of the Hero’s Journey, first elaborated by Joseph Campbell in 1949, is employed in Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani and Patron Saints of Nothing by Randy Ribay. In these two works for young people, the protagonists travel to their parents’ native countries, encountering systems of oppression that fundamentally transform their perspectives and alter the trajectories of their lives. Each character follows the same narrative pattern: before the Hero’s Journey, they have led mostly unremarkable lives, have an encounter with the supernatural or the divine, confront systemic oppression in their parents’ native countries on a scale beyond what they …

Pa 146: What Is Clear, What Is Fuzzy, And What Should We Do Next?, Jenelle Williams, Nicole Peterson

Michigan Reading Journal

Michigan’s Public Act 146 (PA 146), the state’s K–12 Literacy and Dyslexia Law, establishes new requirements for screening, evidence-based instruction, structured literacy practices, professional learning, and strengthened multi-tiered systems of support to improve reading outcomes. While the law provides detailed and prescriptive guidance for elementary schools—particularly regarding decoding-focused instruction aligned to the science of reading, universal screening, and intervention planning—its implications for grades 4–12 are less clearly defined. This article examines what is explicit in the legislation, what remains open to interpretation in secondary contexts, and how districts can move forward strategically as they prepare for full implementation by 2027–2028. …

Elementary Students’ Perceptions Of Peers As Audience, Christina N. Lorelli

Michigan Reading Journal

Abstract

This pilot study, grounded in sociocultural theory, humanizing pedagogy, and dialogic theory, examines how fourth-grade students perceive their peers as their primary audience. It explores how writing becomes a social and relational act that enhances purpose, voice, and identity. As a teacher-researcher in a rural Pennsylvania district, I collaborated with other teachers to build a community of writers as students shared, discussed, and received feedback on their work. Responsive surveys with students revealed key themes: 1. Sharing writing with peers boosts student motivation and involvement; 2. their writing becomes more meaningful, fostering a sense of ownership; and 3. quality …

Joyful Literacy Experiences: Insights From The Pei In Multicultural Ya Literature, S. Rebecca Leigh, Taraneh Matloob Haghanikar, Danielle Alexander, Yujie Mao, Kim Stein, Maria Mendola, Xunmei Luo, Quigxian Wang, Yonghong Li

Michigan Reading Journal

The primary focus of this qualitative study was to determine how we could apply the theory of emotion and transactional reader response theory to the experience of coding and analyzing emotion in multicultural young adult literature. Seven graduate students in a doctoral class in the Midwest participated in the study for one academic semester, including their instructor and another faculty member from a different Midwestern university. Data included coding and analysis of eight Coretta Scott King medal and honor-winning novels and the Protagonist Emotion Inventory (PEI). Chapters were coded for eight basic emotions and the constant comparative method (Corbin & …

From Talk To Science Literacy: Using Structured Student Talk To Support Newcomer Multilingual Learners In High School, Matthew W. De Boer, Rui Niu-Cooper

Michigan Reading Journal

Newcomer multilingual learners (MLs) often experience significant barriers to oral participation in secondary classrooms, despite the central role of talk in language development, academic learning, and community belonging. Research indicates that while comprehension skills may continue to develop, opportunities for structured oral expression are frequently limited, particularly in teacher-led instructional settings. This article examines how intentional Structured Student Talk (SST) routines can support newcomer MLs in transitioning from classroom silence to meaningful participation. Drawing on interactionist theories of language development, cognitive load theory, and affective filter research, the article argues that oral language must be explicitly scaffolded within content instruction …

Improving Learning Habits In High School Ela, Alexander Sinn

Masters Projects

Students lack the habits and skills to process and apply what they have learned. In their secondary education, they are not developing the traits that help them succeed in college courses. Students are not explicitly taught note-taking and other study skills needed to succeed in core academic areas, English Language Arts (ELA) in particular. To address the needs of students, curriculum must incorporate expectations for students in self-efficacy and self-regulatory areas of learning. In the secondary ELA classroom, students should be provided opportunities and experiences to develop good habits. These should be requirements of 9th and 10th grade curriculum. The …

Toward A Technology-Enhanced Project-Based Learning Curriculum For English Language Learners, Lynn Wolfe

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

Project-based learning (PBL) has been demonstrated as an effective strategy for millennial and Gen Z students, particularly in K-12 contexts, but this teaching approach is not commonly used in adult ESL classrooms. This paper suggests that a technology-enhanced PBL approach may transform otherwise teacher-centered and outdated ESL classes by helping English language learners (ELLs) develop linguistic fluency along with technological fluency that is essential for the 21st century workplace. Collaborative PBL activities involving the use of digital tools are presented in the areas of listening/speaking, reading/vocabulary, grammar, and writing, providing a foundation for a technology-enhanced PBL curriculum designed for adult …

Improving Reading Motivation For Upper High School Students: Thematic Book Clubs For The Ela Classroom, Isabella Haskin

Masters Projects

Though strong literacy skills are commonly understood to be essential for a successful life, reading comprehension rates continue to fall in the United States. A major factor in this literacy trend is a disinterest and lack of motivation to read among high school students. Research shows that students lose interest in reading as they progress through school, often due to a lack of choice and relevancy of school assigned texts. To address this issue, this project aims to provide educators with a replicable unit plan that will motivate students to read, and subsequently strengthen their literacy skills. It pairs a …

Addressing The Hidden Curriculum Through Trauma-Informed And Culturally Responsive Teaching For Multilingual Learners, Gabrielle Moeggenborg

Masters Projects

Multilingual learners (MLLs), including refugee, transient, and culturally and linguistically diverse students, often enter schools with experiences of trauma that impact academic performance, behavior, and sense of belonging. Additionally, the hidden curriculum in U.S. schools reinforces inequities for these students. The purpose of this project was to develop a high-quality, research-based educational handbook integrating trauma-informed practices with culturally responsive teaching to better support MLLs and mitigate the effects of the hidden curriculum. This project involved an extensive review of peer-reviewed and interdisciplinary research on learning theories, trauma, culturally responsive teaching, and multilingual education. Historical and contemporary literature was synthesized to …

Attention To Their Uniqueness: Differentiation In A University Classroom, Robin Gingerich

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

University students come to campus with unique gifts and individual challenges. To meet the needs of diverse learners, one solution is differentiation. Differentiation involves deliberately planning lessons that address the unique learning styles of diverse learners by offering pedagogy informed not only by content, but also by the students themselves. While differentiation in elementary and secondary classrooms is considered best practice, professors in higher education face unique challenges when it comes to implementing differentiation. This paper examines definitions of differentiation, research on differentiation in universities, and, from the author’s personal experience, offers suggestions for university writing instructors.

Author Talks In A Virtual Graduate Literature Course, S. Rebecca Leigh

Michigan Reading Journal

In a graduate, online course, seven invited guests – a combination of authors and illustrators, some of whom are Michiganders – spoke to 18 graduate students and practicing teachers, about books, writing, illustrating for children, and trends in education today. This is a literature course that is guided by the questions, “What are current topics and issues connected to literature today?,” and “How might we rise above these challenges that puts contemporary literature in the hands of students?”

Constructing Identities Through Literacy: Channeling The Power Of Interactive Read-Alouds In The Elementary Classroom, Katie Lewis

Michigan Reading Journal

This article explores the often-overlooked potential of interactive read-alouds as a conduit for identity exploration in the elementary classroom. While read-alouds are commonly used to support comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, they can also serve as powerful tools for helping students construct and explore their identities—when implemented with intentionality. Drawing on practical classroom strategies—including rehearsing academic conversations, intentionally introducing unfamiliar vocabulary, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space—this article illustrates how read-alouds can foster both language growth and self-understanding. Designed for elementary educators, the piece encourages teachers to view read-alouds not just as literacy instruction, but as opportunities to empower young learners …

10 Things We Love/Hate About Ai For Writing Instruction, Jenelle Williams, Katherine Cottone, Brian Dalton

Michigan Reading Journal

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the educational landscape, its role in writing instruction elicits both enthusiasm and apprehension among educators. This article, “10 Things We Love/Hate About AI for Writing Instruction,” explores the complex dynamics of integrating AI tools into the teaching of writing. Drawing from classroom experiences, educator reflections, and student interactions, it highlights the benefits of AI—including personalized feedback, increased writing fluency, and support for diverse learners—while also acknowledging concerns such as diminished student agency, ethical implications of authorship, and overreliance on automated systems. By presenting a balanced perspective, the article invites educators to critically examine how …

From Belief To Practice: Building A Culture Of Disciplinary Literacy, Bradley Stabler, Ruth Poulos

Michigan Reading Journal

This article tells the story of how Pontiac High School began building a stronger focus on reading, writing, and thinking in every subject. The work started with a few shared questions, not a detailed plan. A small group of teachers and coaches came together to figure out how to help students think more deeply and express their ideas more clearly. Over time, they led staff-wide efforts that included planning lessons together, visiting each other’s classrooms, and trying out new teaching moves. Feedback from students and staff helped guide the work. Along the way, teachers began to shift their instruction, and …

Performance-Based Assessment In Refugee Esol Programs: Fostering Real-World Readiness Through Discussions And Presentations, Abdul Mutashobya, Elise Holcomb

MITESOL Journal: An Online Publication of MITESOL

A Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) framework designed to enhance the communicative competence and real-world readiness of adult refugee learners in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program is described. Grounded in sociocultural and communicative language teaching theories, this approach intentionally blurs the lines between instruction and assessment, using authentic tasks like collaborative discussions and presentations to foster practical skills. The theoretical rationale for PBA is followed by a description of the instructional context and the specific techniques used, including scaffolding strategies, self-assessment and rubric development. Reflecting on the implementation, we share the successes, such as increased learner confidence and …

Reimagining Read-Alouds: Fostering Critical Consciousness And Social Justice Through Children's Literature, Kylie Brigham

Masters Projects

During this era of heightened political and social divides, it is more important than ever to provide elementary students with inclusive and socially conscious literacy instruction. While classroom read-alouds have been long valued for their impact on literacy development, they are often underutilized as tools for fostering student identity, empathy, and social justice. This project, grounded in the frameworks of critical literacy, culturally responsive pedagogy, and Frierian theory, positions the read-aloud as a powerful entry point for critical and age-appropriate conversations about social issues, representation, and power.

Research has shown that many educators lack the training, tools, and confidence to …

Dialogic Instruction: Teachers Can Have Their Cake, And Eat It, Too, Rebecca L. Lee

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

Dialogic instruction is a talk-intensive approach to learning and teaching that is student-centered and discussion-based, promoting collaboration and academically productive conversations. Recently, educators across the country have increased the amount of time spent preparing students for standardized assessments, which often reduces teaching and learning to test preparation. While this tension suggests that teachers must choose between good teaching or good test scores, dialogic instruction is a promising practice that can enhance students’ reading comprehension outcomes while centering student choice and valuing student voice. Research shows dialogic instruction is most effective when teachers a) co-create a conducive classroom climate, b) incorporate …

Empowering Writers: Integrating Digital Prewriting Tools In The Research Writing Process, Heather A. Rundo

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

This practitioner article explores the integration of digital prewriting tools, specifically MindMeister and VoiceThread, in a high school sophomore honors English class during a research writing unit. The author, a classroom teacher, discusses the challenges students face in research writing and seeks to enhance their confidence and organization skills. Drawing insights from student and teacher perspectives on writing strengths and weaknesses, the article delves into the significance of prewriting as a fundamental component of the writing process.

Teaching To Transgress: A Practice Of Justice And Healing In Teacher Education Program, Finney Cherain, Syed Ali Nasir Zaidi

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

We create deep connections with our surroundings, people and societies, and classrooms are one of such deep connections. Classrooms are spaces where the unfulfilled dreams and painful experiences of teachers and students can fester and estrange classrooms from being places of justice and hope. The absence of justice, healing and hope estranges public education of many of its democratic ideals and promises. We believe that teachers and students can heal together to deconstruct their experiences with oppression and envision new ways of coexisting with others and personally transform. Influenced by the work of Bell Hooks and Parker Palmer we offer …

Young Adult Literature As A Catalyst For Empathy, Engagement, & Empowerment: A Generational View, Amanda Stearns-Pfeiffer, Ashleigh S. Dubie, Catherine J. Miller

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

Abstract: This article is a glimpse into Young Adult Literature (YAL) pedagogy from a generational perspective. One university professor and two of her former students describe the processes, pedagogies, and challenges of introducing YAL theory, texts, and topics in university methods courses, as well as in the secondary English Language Arts (ELA) classroom. The former students will report on how they have taken ideologies and lessons learned from their university methods courses and implemented YAL in their ELA classrooms during their intern teaching semesters. Finally, the importance of including YAL in our classrooms in order to build empathy, engagement, and …

Revitalizing Literary Engagement: Innovative Approaches To Teaching Willa Cather In High School English Classes, Sarah Hoyt, Phu Vu

Language Arts Journal of Michigan

This study explores methods to enhance student engagement and interest in high school English literature classes, focusing on the analysis of Willa Cather's novels. It addresses the challenge of motivating students to engage deeply with full-length novels, crucial for cultural and literary education. Employing a qualitative approach and triangulated data sources, the study reveals significant improvements in student engagement, comprehension, and literary analysis. Additionally, students demonstrated a heightened ability to connect with the themes and characters in the prose.