Rigorous Reading, Texas Edition: 5 Access Points for Comprehending Complex Texts: Corwin Literacy

This is a bold book. . . . It is genius, and its unique contribution, is in bringing the balance and
the centeredness to new education standards.
WithRigorous Reading, Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey have provided literacy educators who are
committed to successfully raising the bar with solutions that make sense. The book is masterfully
developed with an extensive reach across many grade levels in terms of defining what it means to
provide intentional instruction and teaching text complexity. The five access points are discussed
pragmatically with evidence of a solid research base deftly woven throughout the book. This is
the most practical book I have come across in terms of providing teachers with the knowledge
base and assistance many are seeking to improve their instruction with regard to complex texts.
InRigorous Reading: 5 Access Points for Comprehending Complex Texts, Fisher and Frey help teachers
understand how to bring vigor to rigor. They teach us how to help students understand more from
their complex texts—greater understanding that will help to bring life and energy to each student’s
reading. Rooted in solid research, this is book is a must-read for those grappling with how to
translate the recommendations and mandates around text complexity into instructional practices.
[W]e need resources that show us how to support students in developing their full literacy
potential. In this very practical and insightful book, Fisher and Frey examine how conceptions of
text complexity are causing us to shift some of our ideas about reading instruction.Rigorous Reading
is an important resource that will help teachers align reading instruction in powerful ways.

List of Videos
Foreword
INTRODUCTION: Your Access Point
CHAPTER 1. Ramping Up for Complex Texts
Reading Complex Texts
A New Definition of Text Complexity
Reading Closely and Carefully
The Importance of Comprehension Strategies Instruction for Accessing Complex Texts
Accessing Complex Texts Through a Gradual Release of Responsibility
Summary
CHAPTER 2. Access Point One: Modeling and Learning Intentions
Accessing Complex Text Requires Modeling
Accessing Complex Text Requires a Clear Learning Intention
Summary
CHAPTER 3. Access Point Two: Close and Scaffolded Reading Instruction
Accessing Complex Text Requires Close Reading
Accessing Complex Text Requires Scaffolded Reading Instruction
Summary
CHAPTER 4. Access Point Three: Collaborative Conversations
Accessing Complex Texts Requires Collaborative Conversations
Accessing Complex Texts Requires Student-to- Student Interaction
Summary
CHAPTER 5. Access Point Four: An Independent Reading Staircase
Accessing Complex Texts Requires Wide, Independent Reading
Increasing At-Home Reading
Accessing Complex Texts Requires Conferring
Summary
CHAPTER 6. Access Point Five: Assessing Students’ Understanding
Checking for Understanding
Summary
Coda
References
Index