Abstract
Three explicit instructional alternatives to whole-language instruction are reviewed. Each is targeted at children with high risk for reading failure, and each enjoys more empirical support than whole language. The case is made that whole language is obsolescent relative to reading instruction developed and validated in the 2.5 years since whole language was conceived. Notably, however, experiencing more explicit instruction of reading skills and strategies in no way precludes the authentic reading and writing experiences emphasized in whole language. Rather, explicit instruction enables at-risk students to participate more fully in such literacy experiences.