Challenges in Assessing Main Idea Answers in Reading Comprehension Tests

State standards and state tests emphasize the importance of "main idea" in reading instruction. Many schools (and commercial programs) in response to this try to teach main idea by having students read texts and answer main idea questions. However, that neither improves students' ability to answer such questions or reading comprehension. This podcast explains why and provides practical advice about what kinds of teaching students should receive concerning the main idea. Listen to this podcast and you'll find out why the main idea is not the main idea when it comes to teaching reading comprehension.