If you ask most teachers to describe the type of reading program in their school, they would include the word "balanced," which can imply any combination of a variety of descriptors: whole language and phonics, small group and whole group, guided reading and shared reading, basal textbooks and technology-based resources, etc. It seems that today's publishers include it all in their basal reading programs.

Examine a current basal series. Look at a particular level and discuss the following:

• The interest of the selections

• Comparison of narrative and expository selections

• Kinds of strategies and teaching suggestions presented in the teacher's manual technology integration

• Language experience activities

• Ancillary materials such as transparencies, blackline masters, manipulatives, or workbooks

• Interventions for struggling readers or ELL students