Abstract
Reading comprehension and application of that reading are vital skills but often areas of concern in secondary education. Many people can read a text to understand the basic content but are not able to critically evaluate texts (Gallagher, 2009). Students in low socio-economic areas score statistically lower on standardized reading tests. Students need engaging activities and relevant texts to develop necessary reading skills and be able to apply what they read to the world around them. Strategies to help students are a strategic vocabulary system, guiding or framing questions, dialogic conversations among peers, reading with a writing connection, and providing a variety of texts. These elements must work together for students to be successful in reading and develop critical thinking.