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This paper outlines various approaches to teaching reading. The first approach considered focuses on a teacher strictly following a textbook. The paper notes that textbooks which employ programmed reading help students progress at a slow but steady rate. It then discusses the hierarchical method of state mandated objectives and testing. Features of the state mandated approach are highlighted, such as the following: state tests are written by those removed from the classroom; the tests tend to measure lower levels of cognition such as recall and comprehension rather than critical and creative thinking; and they are only meaningful if teachers construct instruction based on the tests. The final method of teaching reading considered in the paper is an open ended approach, where teachers pick and choose from textbooks and allow the students some choices. Individualized reading and sustained silent reading are examples of this open ended approach. (PM) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. cI00