This NJCLD paper addresses critical issues related to the literacy needs of adolescents with LD and advocates for effective reading and writing instruction for these students. To improve adolescent literacy, key areas requiring attention include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Research initiatives and implementation of best practices
   1. Assessment;
   2. Use of RTI and other alternative approaches for the purposes of identification, instructional planning, and progress monitoring;
   3. Instructional approaches;
   4. Use of universal design to meet print and digital literacy demands;
   5. Learner profiles.
2. Professional development planning and practices
   1. Current science and research-informed practices;
   2. Differentiation based on professional roles and responsibilities.
3. Educational priorities, policies, and practices
   1. Organizational restructuring;
   2. Continuum of services;
   3. Shared responsibility for literacy instruction.