Answering the call for a comprehensive textbook on what reading teachers really need to know, this is the book that arms educators with not just the what and the how, but also the why that other texts don"t cover. Two prominent literacy experts team with an elementary school specialist to give preservice teachers an easy-to-understand textbook that demystifies the research and incorporates everyday classroom experience. With its meticulous coverage of every aspect of effective reading instruction, this book ensures that general educators across grade levelslearn the best techniques for teaching all key literacy skillsget the clearest explanations available of the scientifically based research behind the strategiesfully understand how and when literacy skills are acquired and what factors influence the processdiscover the best ways to teach students with learning disabilities, reading disabilities, and dyslexiaget ready to conduct effective assessment of students" reading skillsfind out how to use the latest instructional technology to help advance students" literacy With its practical, research-based answers to the three most important questions literacy educators face—what to teach, how to teach, and why to teach the recommended way—this textbook will prepare future teachers to enter the classroom ready and motivated to implement best practices.