Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program: Grade 4

The Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program targets reading comprehension skills in high-ability learners by moving students through an inquiry process from basic understanding to critical analyses of texts, using a field-tested method developed by the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary. Students in grade 4 will learn to comprehend and analyze any reading passage after completing the activities in Jacob's Ladder, Grade 4 (2nd ed., previously published as Level 2).

Research conducted by the Center for Gifted Education with Title 1 students demonstrated that the Jacob's Ladder Reading Comprehension Program delivers results related to improved reading comprehension, increased critical thinking, and an enhanced interest in reading. Using skill ladders connected to short stories, poetry, essays, and nonfiction, students move from lower order, concrete thinking skills to higher order, critical thinking skills. The ladders include multiple skills necessary for academic success, covering language arts standards such as sequencing, determining cause and effect, classifying, inferencing, and recognizing main ideas. The second edition of the book builds off the previous Level 2 edition, including new readings and ladders for student use.

This book provides teachers with an explanation of the nature of supplementary tasks that scaffold reading comprehension. Also included is an overview of the goals and objectives of the Jacob's Ladder tasks and suggestions for implementation, giving every teacher the tools needed to promote successful reading comprehension.

Optional Student Workbook Packs

In addition to this teacher's guide, companion student workbooks are available for the short story readings, the poetry readings, and the nonfiction readings. The student workbooks feature more space for student responses and make checking and providing feedback on student work easier than ever.

The Center for Gifted Education at The College of William and Mary, a research and development center, was established in 1988 under the direction of Dr. Joyce VanTassel-Baska. The center provides services to educators, policy makers, graduate students, researchers, parents, and students in support of the needs of gifted and talented individuals. Located in Williamsburg, VA, the center has established a national reputation for excellence in research, curriculum development, and service. Several major grants, including funding from the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act, have provided significant support for the work of the Center.

Joyce VanTassel-Baska, Ed.D., is the Jody and Layton Smith Professor Emerita of Education and former Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Education at William & Mary in Virginia, where she developed a graduate program and a research and development center in gifted education. She also initiated and directed the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University.