From two prominent scholars in the field comes a book that addresses language arts and literacy in the middle grades. Complete with authentic cases and classroom examples, the book examines research and theory-based approaches to teaching literacy in the middle school classroom. This edition includes a stronger focus on culturally relevant pedagogy and the needs of English Language Learners, as well as Standards in Practice sections, which help teachers incorporate state and national standards into planning and instruction. Using a teacher-as-inquirer model, the book offers many resources to improve existing literacy programs and individual teaching techniques.