Classroom teachers rarely express confidence in understanding literacy policies. During this time of increased attention to teacher quality and student achievement, however, it's important that you know how to understand the policies that influence your work, and in turn, gain confidence in intiating policy change in the future. This book introduces critical policy study to help you understand how and why literacy is taught in particular ways. The chapters will raise your awareness by addressing key questions related to critical policy study: Where has the policy come from? Who are the policymakers? What are the consequences of the policy? Who benefits from the policy? Author Edmondson presents real-life stories that bring teachers' voices to the forefront of literacy issues. These stories provide insight into how you might teach differently in the future, based on your efforts to preserve or change the policies in your school. A glossary of key terms and an appendix of policy-related resources will further support your reading. Use this reader-friendly resource to arm yourself with an understanding of literacy policy that will enable you to become savvier of the work being done in U.S. public education, and thus, improve your own classroom practice.