Abstract
This paper discusses the role of scaffolded reading instruction in democratic education. Focusing on a case study of a high school civic unit on the Syrian civil war and refugee crisis, it argues the importance of such reading instruction. Students noted the challenges they experienced when reading complex texts on the topic. Yet, scaffolded reading activities that helped students interpret and respond to the texts yielded student engagement with disciplinary material and were praised by the students. This paper illustrates the use of such supports and discusses the ramifications of their absence.
Response to this Article
Melanie M. McCormick and Anne-Lise Halvorsen, The Power and Promise of Scaffolded Reading Instruction for Teaching Civic Literacy
Recommended Citation
Epstein, S.
(2020).
Supporting Students to Read Complex Texts on Civic Issues: The Role of Scaffolded Reading Instruction in Democratic Education.
Democracy and Education,
28
(2), Article 3.
Available at:
https://democracyeducationjournal.org/home/vol28/iss2/3