This text takes the mystery out of literacy assessment by presenting it as a natural part of the instructional cycle and providing routines for teachers. Through the text's practical, positive approach to the stages of developmental literacy, preservice teachers and reading specialists learn to assess student progress on a daily basis. The Second Edition retains the pedagogical features--case studies, chapter summaries, and readings for further exploration--that make this text accessible and informative. A new companion web site includes several interactive tools for instruction and learning. New! Improvements to the design and presentation of the text allow for greater accessibility and coherence. Each "Benchmark" is followed by assessment and instructional strategies that help teachers apply theory to practice. New! Coverage of state and national standards has been expanded throughout the text, particularly in Chapter 11, and greater attention is given to assessment of second language learners. New! Updated research and references highlight the latest instructional strategies, including the use of technology.