Teaching reading in elementary schools is essential to student success in school. Students who leave elementary school and do not read at grade level are much less likely to graduate from high school. “A student who cannot read at grade level in 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who can read proficiently at that time. Add poverty to the mix and a student is 13 times less likely to graduate on time than their more competent and wealthier peer” (Hernandez, 2011). The teaching of reading has undergone many transformations and controversy continues over which is best. reading instruction. However, there is overwhelming evidence that using authentic literature and providing time for children to read, discuss what they have read, and hear from fluent readers is essential for success. Richard Allington has become a literacy expert and continues to lead change in the field of literacy. educational programs in the United States. It offers six essential elements for effective reading teaching. These six elements are:1. Each child reads something he chooses.2. Every child reads accurately.3. Every child reads something he understands.4. Each child writes about something meaningful.5. Each child talks with his or her peers about reading and writing.6. Every child fluently listens to an adult read aloud. Allington states, “It is time that the elements of effective teaching described here are delivered more consistently to every child, in every school, every day” (Allington, 2012, pp 14-15). . When these six elements are included in daily literacy instruction, students are able to make progress in their reading and writing skills. Teachers' College at Columbia University......middle of article......rnandez, Donald, J., "Double Jeopardy: How Third-Grade Reading Skills and Poverty Influence high school graduation. » Annie E. Casey Foundation, April 2011. McTighe, Jay & Wiggins, Grant. (2005). Understanding By Design, 2nd edition. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. McTighe, Jay & Wiggins, Grant. (2013). Essential questions: opening doors to student understanding. Alexandria, Virginia: ASCD. Moss, C., Brookhart, S., & Long, B. (2011). Know your learning objective. Educational Leadership 68(6) 66-70.Popham, James. (2008). Transformative assessment. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Popham, James. (2011). Transformative assessment in action. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. Schmoker, Michael. (2006). Results now. Alexandria, Virginia: ASCD. Wiggin, Grant. (2012). Seven keys to effective feedback. Educational leadership.70(1) 11-16.