Goals+of+Reading+Instruction+09

toc =Goals of Reading Instruction= media type="custom" key="4722533" =Assigned Readings= [|Standards for the English Language Arts] (IRA and NCTE), chapters 1-3, pp. 1-32 [|Adolescent Literacy: A Position Statement] (IRA) [|Adolescent Literacy: A Policy Research Brief] (NCTE)

=Highlights from Small Group Discussions of "20 Questions"=

//How do you teach 4th graders different tones of speaking?//
We discussed methods of differentiating by grade level. Example: for 4th graders who are just being exposed to tone, show video clips (ie. Donald Duck vs. Martin Luther King Jr.). For the older group- 8th graders- have them practice speeches and video tape- look back on how you sounded!

//Why isn't it appropriate to "dictate as specific English Language Arts curriculum that should be enacted in every classroom or every school"?//
NCATE and the IRA are very student centered and believe that the curriculum should be tailored to each different student.

//What constitutes a learner-centered classroom?//
It's student directed. The students are responsible for what they learn, because what they learn is based on the questions they have about the subject/content.

//Will end of course exams frustrate efforts to incorporate NCTE and IRA standards and practices?//
We feel that 32 parts as opposed to 4 will be extremely difficult for instructors. How do you focus on best practice when you are concerned about all of your students passing 32 parts? Additionally, we do not feel that the "new format" is adequately differentiated to allow for better methods.

//How can teachers create an environment in which students are motivated to express their ideas in writing?//
Set down rules about etiquette within the classroom so that students feel safe expressing their ideas and have free writing assignments without rules or constraints so that students can write about their opinions or experiences. Make sure that the students understand that it is important to express their own ideas.

//Why is there a reading slump in 4th grade?//
Shift from reading stuff to writing. TAKS prep increases. It is the first year for the writing TAKS test. Also, we place a large focus on literacy in the younger years and then as they get older, kids fall through the cracks.

//How do we keep language skills from deteriorating in the world of e-mail and texting?//
People just aren’t writing books like Dickens any more. Teachers must try to make reading interesting and encourage students to learn new vocabulary, and make vocabulary fun.

//How can we teach technology in schools with all the budget struggles currently going on?//
E-mail and texting, etc. put an emphasis on a different kind of literacy. Many schools have chosen to invest in new technology in school. Is it worth it? Are students learning to communicate more effectively, or are just spending money?

//How is legislation expected to affect reading ability?//
It doesn't really make sense that passing laws can affect the way students learn.

//How do standards bridge educational disparities in America?//
Standards need to be supported with funds and resources. If struggling schools are still growing, the resources and support needs to grow.