Creating Readers: Part III

Donalyn Miller, a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher and self-described "book whisperer," says she has yet to meet a child she couldn’t turn into a reader. On average, her students at Trinity Meadow Intermediate School in Keller, Texas, read between 50 and 60 books a year. Last year, her students received a 100 percent passing rate on the reading portion of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, with 90 percent receiving a "recommended" score.

In this final installment of her Ask the Mentor column, Miller answers readers' questions on creating in-class reading time and raising test scores. Don't miss “Thirteen Books You Have to Read Before You Turn Thirteen,” a list compiled by one of her former students, or Miller's own "Books That Hook Readers." Read Part I on reader-engagement techniques and Part II on motivating reluctant readers.

What is your take on SSR?