"Education is not a Nike commercial, you can't say Just do it". Just trying to explain it isn't helpful, as Beers says, it must be done directly and explicitly. The way in which she goes into detail on how to do so is most helpful. Reading is a skill and the strategy used to get there is the process. So emphasis should be made on teaching these strategies explicitly.
I am glad Beers made mention on whether or not teaching strategies takes time away from teaching content. Of course it will. These strategies could make the biggest difference. How can a student make sense of the content if they cannot comprehend what they are reading. I believe this is apparent when it comes to state testing preparation. So often I have seen students due practice test after practice test, but not often to I see them being prepared with any strategies to use while testing.
Lastly, I would like to point out the use of the workshop approach. I feel like I am always seeing the "traditional" classroom of teacher led discussions, group or individual assignments and worksheets. It is important to provide students with specific information that will help what they are working on. Also, more often students need to be given the opportunity to read texts outside of their textbook so they can read and discuss and be excited about what they are learning.
I love that quote.
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