Teachers should explicitly teach good reading strategies.

The notion that teachers should explicitly teach good reading strategies is grounded in evidence-based practices in literacy education. When teachers introduce and model effective reading strategies, they help students become more adept at navigating texts, enhancing comprehension, and developing critical thinking skills. This practice is fundamental across all grade levels and for all students, not just advanced learners or those in later grades.

Additionally, explicit instruction allows students to understand the purpose and application of various strategies, such as predicting, summarizing, questioning, and clarifying. By learning these strategies, students develop a toolkit they can apply independently, fostering lifelong reading habits. This approach supports diverse learners, including those who may struggle with reading, by providing them with the scaffolding they need to succeed.

Therefore, the idea that teaching good reading strategies is unnecessary or should be reserved for specific groups is contrary to best practices in literacy instruction. Effective reading instruction is inclusive and ongoing, ensuring all students have the opportunity to develop essential reading skills.