Raising Standards in Literacy represents the best current thinking and research about literacy. The book is the outcome of a high profile series of seminars on raising standards in literacy, and includes contributions from an impressive group of international researchers and policy makers. By offering a rich and unique mix of contemporary perspectives on literacy education, this book provides an invaluable source of study and insight into the latest research and developments in the teaching of literacy. It includes sections on: - how research into literacy teaching can inform new approaches found in England, the USA and Australia - the issues involved in assessing progress in literacy and the validity of research claims made about standards of attainment - the ways in which literacy education is developing in England, the USA and Australia The book celebrates the apparent success of current literacy initiatives at the same time as raising questions about the feasibility and relevance of such initiatives to the literacy co-ordinators and consultants and for all those undertaking further study or research in literacy education.