Dr. John Pikulski, Senior Author of Houghton Mifflin Reading
IMPROVING READING ACHIEVEMENT: A WHOLE SCHOOL EFFORT

In order to succeed socially and economically in today's society students need to attain increasingly high levels of reading/literacy achievement. Reading instruction must involve a whole school effort in which all educators contribute to improving reading achievement.

Reading achievement depends on comprehension of a variety of texts, which is also enhanced by background knowledge and home support.  A major emphasis will be placed on developing vocabulary and content knowledge as vehicles for improving achievement.

John Pikulski is a Professor of Education at the University of Delaware, where he has been Director of the Reading Center and department Chairperson.  He has served as a reading and psychological consultant to numerous school districts as well as reading and governmental agencies throughout North America.

His current research interests focus on teaching and developing vocabulary and strategies for preventing reading problems.  An active member in the International Reading Association, Dr. Pikulski has served on its Board of Directors, contributes a monthly column to its journal, and was president of the association in 1997-1998.

He is the coauthor of the Diagnosis, Correction, and Prevention of Reading Disabilities and Informal Reading Inventories, and has been inducted into the prestigious Reading Hall of Fame.