Rigorous Reading: 5 Access Points for Comprehending Complex Texts (Corwin Literacy)

When my copy of Frey and Fisher's Rigorous Reading was delivered to my doorstep, I couldn't wait to dig in to the content. In fact, I was looking forward to a "rigorous read" of this latest book from two of my favorite authors. It did not disappoint. My copy is already tattered and loaded with sticky notes and notations I plan to refer back to and share. Rigorous Reading explains the "why" close reading is important while maintaining a practical, useful, and realistic stance.Rigorous Reading has enough practical information to satisfy the individual classroom teacher looking for fresh ideas, enough depth and breadth to be useful for teachers of all content areas, and a set of professional development modules which will assist reading leaders of all kinds in guiding teams, departments, and school districts toward strong reading growth in all students.Educators are currently facing a new set of standards and expectations for students of all levels. The phrase 'close reading' is a term currently heard tossed about in instructional circles nationwide, but it can bring with it confusion and misunderstanding. No longer can the teaching of analytical reading skills wait until the upper grades or high level English courses. As the authors point out, 'close reading' should not be a concept exclusively taught by English teachers, nor is this deep and analytical reading merely about personal, emotional responses to the text. Complex texts abound across all curriculum areas. "If students are going to access complex texts, they must be given the time to read and reread, to respond to questions that encourage them to return to the text and to discuss their ideas in the company of others" (p 15).Frey and Fisher successfully provide access points to assist teachers of all levels in modeling, teaching, scaffolding, and assessing of close reading.

Practical. Powerful. Professional.Dr. Frey and Dr. Fisher come together once again and produce, what I believe, to be their most practical, powerful, professional development "manual" yet. It is centered around the need to increase literacy skills through the Gradual Release of Responsibility, student centered literacy instruction and student data discussions; knowing what the students will need to successfully navigate complex text. The content is well-timed and vital to literacy success in our schools. The imbedded QR codes make the text come to life and provide exemplar models for the reader. A hidden gem is in the back of the book which provides the much needed scaffolding for improved in-house professional development. The modeling of strong instructional literacy practices alongside the language of the CCSS is highly important and very timely. I wish I had this text 2 years ago! The power of teacher proficiency, increased student thinking and deep connection to complex text is embodied in this newest publication. It is a MUST have and a must read for literacy administrators, literacy coaches and curriculum and instruction personel. I believe you will want to share it with your colleagues, I know I will!

Frey and Fisher have provided a must-read addition to any teacher or district coordinator's library who is or will be implementing the CCSS. This very readable and practical book walks teachers through the cornerstones of close reading, complex texts, collaborative conversations, and scaffolding reading instruction to achieve a more thoughtful and analytic approach to the reading of literature and informational texts. What makes this book stand out is the support for professional development--summary charts, videos, and a professional learning guide in the back that can be used by principals or grade-level team leaders to introduce, practice, and refine the concepts and strategies in each section of the book. The learning guide contains video links and powerpoint slides to make the prep work easy for administrators. I highly recommend this book for all teachers, principals, and district reading coordinators. Thank you Frey and Fisher for another great addition to the field!

The information Frey and Fisher share in Rigorous Reading prompts thoughtful conversations that help teachers take immediate action in their classrooms. It helps refine our thinking about the Common Core and, more importantly, our teaching. The QR video footage provides immediate clarity on the how these practices look in action. This is a book focused on the how and the why. Fisher and Frey unlock how to work with complex texts. They identify the experiences and teaching students need in order to do this well and name how teachers can support them in this task. At the end of the book, there is a Professional Learning Guide to help literacy coaches, administrators, and others involved in professional development facilitate professional conversations about the five access points to complex texts. You will be glad to have this book by your side.

Gift

I love this book! The straight forward easy to comprehend information along with the video vignettes makes this a powerful resource! As a college professor that teaches reading courses to future teachers, I'm highly recommending this book to my students. My daughter is on her way to becoming a teacher and this is one of her Christmas gifts this year. Also, I work for a virtual school that is rolling out Common Core. I'm eagerly pursuing this as a school-wide "book talk" which I know will be attended by many teachers who refer to Dr. Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey for latest greatest expertise in this dynamic shift occurring in education.