12. Combines elements of Thematic unit Vertical alignment and planning Horizontal alignment and planning Moves students to more independence in selecting reading materials Makes connections between and among books What IS a Reading Ladder?
13. WHY Reading Ladders? Research shows that PROFICIENT readers make connections from text to text MOST of our students never progress beyond BASIC NAEP indicates only 3% of students score at PROFICIENT level (since 1992 there has been NO growth at this level)