ABSTRACT
The purpose of the Project on Adolescent Literacy study was to explore the ways in which successful compensatory literacy programs for young adolescents create and sustain young people's interest and academic growth. This chapter explains that the project's underlying guidelines are revisited in light of what was learned through the site visits and numerous discussions with experts around the country. The five components of successful compensatory literacy programs for young adolescents are: vision and definition, developmental responsiveness, academic effectiveness, access to the world of the written word and organization to ensure success for all. In good school-based programs administrators are, in general, successful classroom teachers who have moved up to new tasks because of their abilities, rather than failing teachers who are pulled out of classroom service. Good programs not only acknowledge parents' interests and inform them of their children's progress, but also involve parents in all aspects of program development and assessment.
