ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses specific and practical strategies for the classroom teacher that can be integrated into the classroom curriculum. The success of a classroom learning experience rests on student language capacity. Whether it is listening to directions, reading a passage, writing a response, or discussing a point of view, the individual student's ability to perform and grow in a classroom rests squarely on his or her corresponding language capacity. The reading, writing, speaking, and listening strategies necessary for student engagement cut across disciplines. In the world of formal education, these strategies are requisite at every level for Johnny, Maria, Abdul, and Rachel. Johnny's difficulties with comprehension arise not only from his unfamiliarity with simple fundamental words; they are compounded by the fact that explanations of mathematical procedures and principles are written with precise terminology. Academic literacy in our public and private schools is a problem. It is critical to revisit the role of the teacher.
