Balanced Literacy Instruction

A few years ago, Pressley (1998) wrote a book about elementary-level literacy instruction, Reading Instruction That Works: The Case for Balanced Teaching. A main message in that book is that excellent elementary literacy instruction balances skills instruction (e.g., phonics, comprehension strategies teaching) and holistic literacy opportunities (reading of authentic literature, composing iil response to text). In making that case, Pressley reviewed substantial evidence validating the positive impacts on literacy achievement of many elements of elementary literacy instruction. He also reviewed evidence that beginning literacy classrooms in which achievement is high are typified by balanced teaching.