Adolescents and Literacy: Reading for the 21^st Century, released by the Alliance for Excellent Education, examines the research that exists on how to improve the literacy of children in grades 4-12. Specifically, it reviews information related to teaching and learning strategies, the prevention of reading difficulties, the components of effective reading instruction, and reading comprehension, the report considers the importance and impact of factors including motivation, alphabetic principle, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension on literacy instruction. It also looks at literacy and English-language learners, computers and adolescent literacy, teacher professional development and the infrastructure for reading instruction in secondary schools.

The report can be read online. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.