Designing Meaning-Based Interventions for Struggling Readers

“Johnson's presentation of a meaning-based approach in the design of interventions for all struggling readers is well written and convincingly argued. This instructional plan is appropriate for any child experiencing difficulties acquiring reading proficiencies, including those labeled as dyslexics. Johnson's approach shares little with traditional methods for teaching struggling readers—and I hope it will initiate needed changes in remedial and special education. If only every teacher preparing to become a reading specialist or special educator could read this book before they began their student teaching apprenticeship!”

—Richard L. Allington, PhD, College of Education (Emeritus), The University of Tennessee, Knoxville


“This book masterfully synthesizes the latest literacy acquisition research and provides critical pedagogical practices for targeting each student’s learning needs. It is an essential resource for preservice teachers, classroom teachers, reading interventionists, and special education teachers interested in capitalizing on responsive decision making. Johnson presents interventions that are cleverly designed to support accelerative progress, ensuring all students learn to read.”

—Mary R. Van Etten, MEd, district literacy specialist/Reading Recovery coordinator, Muskogee Public Schools, Oklahoma


“During my time as a special educator and instructional coach, I longed for a framework that operationalized a meaning-based approach to reading interventions. Johnson lays out the rationale for such an approach and follows it up with a practical process. This book is a 'must read' for every special educator and for any educator who wants a solid resource for designing reading instruction that meets the needs of today's diverse classrooms.”

—Staci Gilpin, MSEd, former teacher and instructional coach; doctoral student in Educational Foundations and Research, University of North Dakota


“Johnson provides a refreshing look at interventions for struggling readers and the need to focus on making meaning from text. He reinforces the idea that a majority of our students know how to read, but lack the skills necessary to make meaning. I appreciate this book's frank discussions of intervention fidelity, direct instruction, and the need to recognize the nuances each of our students bring with them. Johnson shares a concrete process for designing meaning-based interventions that I look forward to bringing to our special education licensure program!”

—Amy Murzyn, EdD, School of Education and Social Work, College of St. Scholastica