Towards minimizing social,cultural, and intellectual disruptions embedded in literacy instruction

A personal attempt to make sense of the diverse array of information, both practical and theoretical, about the complex concept called literacy is articulated through the development of the Integrative Systems Model of literacy. The model illustrates how understanding literacy has direct applications to both instruction and research. As well, the model's utility in reconciling opposing concepts of literacy is shown. Finally, some practical suggestions for literacy instruction consistent with the model and which appear to minimize social, cultural, and intellectual disruption are presented.