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Developed sociocultural theory, emphasizing the role of social interaction and language in literacy development, including the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development.
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Known for developing Reading Recovery, Clay emphasized early intervention and observational assessment in literacy learning.
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Provided federal funding to support literacy instruction for students from low-income families, establishing literacy as a national educational priority
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Emphasized meaningful, authentic texts, and literacy as a natural process rather than isolated skills. Instruction then focused on reading for understanding rather than phonics drills.
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Balances skills with meaning with whole-language strategies, integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening to support diverse learners.
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Required standardized testing in reading and emphasized accountability, significantly influencing literacy instruction and assessment practices.