Readers Strategy Lists (RSL) are lists of strategies that good readers use when decoding, deciphering and comprehending a text passage. RSLs are useful because they provide a common language for talking about reading. RSLs point out that different strategies are used with different types of reading. When a student reads a non-fiction textbook, they use different strategies than when they read fiction or when they read test questions.
For more information about creating and using Readers Strategy Lists, see:
1) the October 2011 issue of RAT Tracks: Routines and Tips Sheet. RAT Tracks can be found at the RATs website. Click on the RA & RATs at RTC link above and then the link for the tip sheets.
2) the lead articles in the March 2010 and May 2010 issues of the RAT Review newsletters. The newsletters can be found at the RATs website. Click on the RA & RATs at RTC link above and then the link for the newsletters.
For step-by-step directions on how to create a Readers Strategy List, see pages 8-11 of the WestEd's Metacognitive Conversation: Making Thinking Visible document or the section "Revising The Good Readers' Strategy List" found on pages 14-16 of WestEd's Cognition document. RTC faculty and staff can click here to access password protected WestEd documents. You can get the password from any RAT Pack member (Debbie Crumb, Michele Lesmeister, or Jenna Pollock).
Created by RAT Pack Leader and ABE/GED instructor, Michele Lesmeister.
Below are a few samples of the library materials available on this topic. Ask the librarian for help in finding these and other materials!
Reader's Handbook: a Student Guide for Reading and Learning by 
Reader's Handbook: Reading Strategies for Everyday Life by 
Teaching Students to Read Nonfiction by