Reading and literacy are critical skills that each student must master if they are to succeed in their education and throughout life. Literacy equals mastery across academic disciplines. Building knowledge by reading different texts, not only to refer to what one has read, but also to have command of what has been read and presenting it in speaking, listening and writing are vital. Dooley (2004) states that literacy enables social participation, which relates to the statement by Harris (2006) that reading is a social act.
According to STELLA (2002), accomplished teachers know what and how to teach students to become powerfully literate. Accomplished teachers understand that a text can be complex. They equip students with the necessary skills to be powerfully literate to facilitate learning for different groups of students in a fair and inclusive manner, while preparing them to become global citizens with powerful literacy skills. As professionals, these teachers are aware of the students’ background, cultural beliefs and intellectual capabilities.