Content Literacy

Rationale:
Content literacy can be defined as the ability to use reading and writing for the acquisition of new content in a given discipline. Such ability includes general literacy skills, content-specific literacy skills, and prior knowledge of content. Content literacy thus refers to the foundational language and concepts, reading, writing, and study skills necessary to effectively focus attention upon, comprehend, retain, and react to appropriate instructional materials (e.g., textbook chapters, novels, poetry, lab directions, etc.) in a given subject area at a given grade level or ability level.

A content literate student is a focused, strategic and text-wise reader who possesses a heightened awareness and use of the organization and structure of the distinct texts in diverse fields of study. These skills enable him/her to effectively identify, comprehend, interact with, study, internalize and apply important new subject matter.

(Adapted from McKenna, M.C. & Robinson, R. D. (1990). Content literacy: A definition and implications, Journal of Reading, 34, 184-186 and Dr. Kate Kinsella, San Francisco State University)

In order to meet the challenges of the California English/Language Arts Content Standards for Grades 4-12, with their heavy emphasis on:

• comprehension and analysis of grade level appropriate material, including both narrative and expository texts, and
• discipline-based expository writing across the curricula

it is critical that teachers from all content areas learn and use content literacy strategies that will support the development of content literate students and promote student success.

The Curriculum and Instruction Department is prepared to use several research-based resources to promote the development of content literacy in schools. Please view the descriptors of each of the resources that can be utilized with educators from all curricular areas interested in reading and writing strategies to promote student success:

• Reading in the Content Areas Video Series
• Teaching Reading in Every Classroom (TREC)
• Reading in Secondary Education(RISE)
• Strategic Teaching and Learning: Standards-Based Instruction to Promote Content
   Literacy in Grades Four Through Twelve
• Teaching Reading in the Content Areas: If Not Me, Then Who?

Contact:
For more information contact Karen Holmes at 842-8414 or e-mail Karen Holmes

Updated for school year 2007-08.