Text-based discussions provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, improve comprehension, and refine their communication skills. Aligned with the New York State Literacy Briefs, this session emphasizes the importance of explicit instruction in academic discourse. This workshop will focus on best practices for creating an environment where students actively engage with the text, each other, and the ideas being explored. Participants will explore various discussion strategies, including structured protocols, open-ended questioning techniques, and methods to support all students in contributing to discussions.