from Jennifer:
I totally agree with your recommendation re: Dick Allington's book...his
guiding principles--the struggling kids need expert instruction, high volume of
time in text that they can actually read, attention to comprehension and higher
level thinking etc...have been our bible at my school where most of the
intervention happens directly in the classroom setting rather that from a pull
out, scripted program.
my intellect tells me that it isn't 'programs' that are the problem, it is how
they are implemented. I know of some programs in my own district that I hear
about that are very successful---particularly in building surface structures.
What we need to do as teachers of reading, however, is to advocate for balance.
Are our students receiving scripted phonics or fluency programs ALSO
getting exposure to thoughtful comprehension instruction?
continued from Bev:
Yes, I agree whole-heartedly with your first paragraph. I do, however,
somewhat disagree with the last two paragraphs above. I know that they're
true, and I do agree, but . . . I somehow think that it's partly us trying to
rationalize having to do heavy phonics and fluency programs. Reading Rereading
Fluency gave me the concrete information I needed to continue to disagree. I
know it's tempting to say that if we add comprehension instruction to the
phonics and fluency, that will make up for their weaknesses, but I really don't
think it's that simple. If they were neutrals, it would be. If they were
basically fine (and did nothing worse than squander teacher and student time)
and we could add something to them to balance our program, and we added
comprehension instruction, that would be one matter. However, I don't believe
that to be true. I don't think that those programs are neutral.
And that's why I say we all need to read Rereading Fluency if we are to
continue the dialogue as a profession. I think the evidence is just starting
to trickle in that these programs are not just unbalanced; they may be harmful
in more ways than we can currently describe.
Having said all that (and hoping I'm not offending anyone, especially
Jennifer), I know that's it's perfectly easy for me as one who doesn't have to
currently use those programs (never say never) to condemn them as negatives,
rather than simply something which is incomplete, but it isn't easy to even
consider that possibility if you're "stuck" with them.
So, my hope is that such quality research is underway as we speak, that we can
have something other than our basic opinions, no matter how well thought
through, upon which to base our belief systems. And it's a fervent hope.
Sorry to be so opinionated tonight. Hope I haven't offended masses of you.
Bev
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