Literacy is a word that is often overused and misunderstood. Some teachers, parents, and administrators wonder how long we will address literacy in our schools. The truth is literacy will always be an integral component of student learning. Literacy is here to stay!

Educators must believe in the importance of literacy and find a permanent home for it. At a moment's notice, educators should be able to communicate what literacy looks like in the classroom, the school, and the district.

At the secondary level, READING and COMPREHENDING text is how students access core and content subject matter. In the past, content area teachers were not trained to work with students who did not read or write at or above grade level. Teachers spent countless hours learning to be experts in their specialized area. The training rarely included reading comprehension strategies.

Teacher preparation programs now include training in literacy approaches for under performing students. However, when visiting the classroom, there is still a good possibility that reading comprehension strategies will not be part of the lesson.

Content area teachers continue to struggle with ways for students to understand their course material. Some teachers feel strongly that if a child cannot comprehend and analyze the required grade level text, then the child should not be assigned to the class.

The key to solving this dilemma is to find strategies that address skill building and also allow for the delivery of content. We must also share good instructional practices and provide additional support for teachers and students.

Here are a few recommendations for teachers and administrators to consider when addressing the literacy needs of high school students.

-Focus on reading comprehension.

-Use text with high interest concepts to engage critical thinking.

-Select strategies that address vocabulary, academic language, culturally responsive teaching, and connections to writing.

-Remember the needs of our Standard English and English Language Learners.

-If necessary, implement strategic courses and a reading intervention program.

Dr. Patricia Fioriello is an education consultant specializing in literacy solutions for middle and high school administrators. Visit http://www.drpfconsults.com for services, publications, newsletter, and blog.