Sometimes students can tell you what a text is about, but struggle to explain how the author built it—or why that matters. Understanding a text goes beyond identifying the message; it requires recognizing how structure, organization, and craft work together to shape meaning.

In this session, we’ll look beyond surface-level comprehension and focus on how texts actually work. We’ll unpack complex texts and STAAR-style questions, paying close attention to the academic language students are expected to understand and use. Participants will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies that make these connections more visible so students can not only understand texts, but clearly explain their thinking.