CLOSE Reading for Visual & Statistical Literacy (11 X 17 placemat) - This instructional tool was designed to support content area teachers in assisting students in analyzing quantitative information.  As with the CLOSE Reading for Literacy and Numeracy placemats, the CLOSE Reading for Visual & Statistical Literacy uses the word CLOSE as an acronym, scaffolding the cognitive routine of analyzing text features and comprehending the information contained within its graphics.  Each step in the CLOSE Reading for Visual & Statistical Literacy process provides students with a brain-friendly checklist of key information to search for in the graphics. (e.g., S- Seek out and highlight points for discussion: Descriptions, definitions, explanations, Similarities & differences within the infographics/visual)