Comprehension for What? Preparing Students for Their Meaningful Future

Researchers, policymakers, and educators face a daunting task these days concerning literacy education for the here and now and literacy for the future. Even though one clings to the romantic notion that education provides the building blocks in a straight line to a meaningful future, the reality is that mixed goals and instructional messages prevail. A much richer vision of comprehension and literacy is necessary for students to succeed for the here and now and for their future, one that incorporates all of the changing options and demands for education and the workplace. We review the current state of comprehension research in schooling and the workplace. Next, we present a set of principles for teachers that spring from the complex picture provided by the research, one that focuses on making students into strategic, adaptable comprehenders.