ABSTRACT
This chapter explains how and why teachers can broaden the forms and manners through which students are able to show comprehension. It discusses the concept of alternative response options, including writing options and arts-based options. The response portion of comprehension best practices completes the comprehension problem solving process and brings teachers and students full circle: responses that show comprehension are themselves new texts created through problem solving. The intent to compose a new text sets purpose and creates motivation. Standards are one place teachers can find curriculum development guidance and models for instructional practices. National standards target comprehension beyond recall and can guide teachers in developing an array of response options. The English Language Arts standards do not stand alone in informing comprehension curriculum and instruction. A comprehension focus should drive the entire curriculum, and this perspective does underlie standards for science, social studies, math, science, and the arts.
