Carol wrote: "Which brings me to my question. What is the answer to administrators who believe that the boxed Reading Program is the answer?"
I actually have some good news to this question. I am sure many you have heard me complain about the packaged program I am mandated to use. Just to remind you all it is the worst of the worst. It is of course scripted but there is a trainer to look in on you at least once a month for a few days at a time. They are watching for you to mess up. It is ghastly! They are trying to make sure everyone in the district is on the same page. Guess what?? --They are not and problems are arising (surprised Im sure). My good news is that I have finally been moved out of the program and will be teaching middle school English in the fall. I am ecstatic! Especially with the fabulous book "To Understand" at my hip. Heehee My district had said they would not allow anyone to leave this program because it is just too expensive to brain wash them (oops I mean train us). Anyways, my squeaky wheel got me out. And now the district is seeing problems in their perfect script and the program is blaming the teachers. So from my experience it is even more crucial we teach and model to students to think, wonder, challenge and ask questions. Because the scary thing about these package programs is that many people dont mind not using their minds. Every word Ellin has brought to us is thought provoking and reflective. I find myself reading a few pages and visualizing my classroom of thinkers. It is wonderful to see so many teachers reading and discussing this masterpiece. We must remember as educators to stand up for what is right and use the brain we were given. This will give us the control we need produce amazing thinkers. My answer to Carols question is we must stay strong and continue to do what makes sense. The administrators will start to see the domino effect and what will they do? hhmm -maybe join the Renaissance party!! Thanks for the support, Rhonda _______________________________________________ Understand mailing list [email protected] http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/listinfo/understand_literacyworkshop.org
