Literacy Models and Instructional Reform for Educators
argumentative Essay
789 words
Literacy Reform In every school across America, effective practices of reading instruction are being discussed. Calkins (2012) suggests that over 85% of students being tested on grade level literacy standards are non-proficient. Research suggests that students, who are unable to read proficiently by third grade, are not predicted to ever learn to read or have successful lives when they reach adulthood (Martinez, 2008). For these reasons, it is important that districts implement literacy models and instructional reforms that have been well researched and shown to be successful. The instructional reform method of Balanced Literacy is being used throughout the country to meet the challenging standards of the Common Core. Teachers will need to have a full understanding of components of Balanced Literacy and much guidance form school leadership to put this plan in action. Reading Comprehension Throughout my time as both a reading interventionist and instructional coach, I have found there is a discrepancy between student phonemic awareness abilities and levels of reading comprehension. Students that show an understanding of phonemic awareness and phonic decoding skills are often unable to comprehend or retell what they have read in class. One gap in the reading program in our building is – building background knowledge. Based on these findings, I am interested in researching the effects of background knowledge on reading comprehension levels and the best methods in which students should be taught to increase comprehension of text. If students are to succeed with 21st century reading skills and be productive members of their communities, they must be able to find meaning in the material they have read (Beach and Baker, 2011). ... ... middle of paper ... ...ted yet Unique Language Systems in Grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(3), 635-651. Calkins, L., & Ehrenworth, M. (2012). Pathways to the common core: accelerating achievement. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Frey, B. B., Lee, S. W., Tollefson, N., Pass, L., & Massengill, D. (2005). Balanced Literacy in an Urban School District. Journal of Educational Research, 272-280. Houck, B. (2008). A Summary of Balanced Literacy. Roseville, MN: MN Department of Education. National Governors Association Center for Best Practices & Council of Chief State School Officers. (2010). Common Core State Standards. Washington, DC: Authors. Martínez, R. S., Aricak, O., & Jewell, J. (2008). Influence of reading attitude on reading achievement: A test of the temporal-interaction model. Psychology In The Schools, 45(10), 1010-1023.
In this essay, the author
- Recommends districts implement literacy models and instructional reforms that have been well researched and shown to be successful. balanced literacy is being used throughout the country to meet the challenging standards of the common core.
- Explains that students with phonemic awareness and phonic decoding skills are often unable to comprehend or retell what they have read in class. they are interested in researching the effects of background knowledge on reading comprehension levels.
- Explains that a concise and balanced literacy program is one of the most important factors in reading success in the elementary classroom.
- Explains how comprehension is embedded throughout all of the ela standards of common core, and how the present reform initiatives relate to their chosen topic of developing reading comprehension skills.
- Cites frey, b. b, lee, s. w., tollefson, n, pass, l, and massengill.
- Analyzes martnez, r. s., aricak, o. & jewell, j. influence of reading attitude on reading.
- Concludes that their topic of study on reading comprehension is well worth the effort. there are areas that will require further research to determine their impact in reading instruction and comprehension.
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- Use of Multiple Stretegies to Teach Literacyexplanatory essayLiteracy is the term used when talking about the ability to read and write. It leads to success in K-12 school, post-secondary school, the ability to compete in the job market, and participation in democratic process (Wei, Blackorby, & Schiller, 2011). Teaching young children how to read and write however is a very complex process that requires a teacher to employ a myriad of strategies to help students. When a teacher takes into consideration all the different abilities in a classroom having multiple strategies that help all students become proficient in speaking and listening, reading, and writing, is essential.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that literacy is the term used when talking about the ability to read and write. it leads to success in k-12 schools, post-secondary school, and participation in democratic process.
- Explains that developing a child's speaking and listening skills is an essential part of literacy development. teachers can use simple rhymes to help students develop their phonological awareness.
- Opines that a good reader's goal is to understand the text, and that teachers should help students make connections with it.
- Explains that the final component of literacy is being able to convey meaning through writing. by using multiple strategies for teaching literacy skills, a teacher engages multiple learning styles.
- Describes kirk, clark, larocque, darling, and wei, x. blended curriculum in the inclusive k-3 classroom: teaching all young children.
1153 wordsRead More - Literacy for the 21ft Century Analysisexplanatory essayThe federal government created a sequence of information and directives which will inspire a cognitive view of reading. This new information has changed the existing way educators taught reading and what resources they use to teach. This change comes from experimental psychologists; these psychologists believe that students will learn better if the tasks were broken down into smaller parts. Successful educators will do anything to guarantee the success of their students. In the textbook Literacy for the 21st Century: A Balanced Approach there are eight principles an educator can use to be successful in the classroom.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the federal government created information and directives which will inspire a cognitive view of reading. experimental psychologists believe that students will learn better if the tasks were broken down into smaller parts.
- Explains that the cueing systems are phonological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic.
- Explains how an educator creates a community of learners. school and classrooms are very social places.
- Explains that the balanced approach to instruction is grounded by a complete view of literacy which intermixes instruction, guided practice, collaborative learning, and independent reading and writing.
- Explains how educators use instructional scaffolding to support students in reading and writing. they explain how students become independent and monitor their progress.
- Explains the principle of organizing for literacy instruction. the educator starts with a textbook and adds other resources to the lessons.
- Explains principle 7 deals with differentiate instruction. differentiating instruction is simply coming up with ideas that the students can do other than the lesson.
- Explains that the educator needs to use the assessments to determine a students’ reading level then plan the instruction for that student. the teacher today will gear their lessons to the student’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Describes applebee, a. n., and langer, j.
- Introduces tracey, d. h., and morrow, l. m. on reading: an introduction to theories and summary
- Explains b.f. skinner's theory of teacher-centered learning, which focuses on the visible characteristics of students' behavior. students learn by integrating new information to their world perceptions.
1102 wordsRead More - Reading Nightmaresanalytical essayReading instruction, as a field of study, is also ripe with nightmares. Too often, educators make assumptions about reading and its’ instruction. These include “(a) Reading instruction is primarily, if not exclusively, the role of elementary, not middle and secondary school teachers; and (b) reading is an isolated skill; once mastered in the elementary grades students require no further instruction.” (Bintz 14)
In this essay, the author
- Explains that reading nightmares exist at national and state levels, and within the field of reading education and with teachers across all subject areas.
- Argues that reading nightmares occur nationally. goodland believes that this problem may exist because of the relationship between time spent on reading instruction and the decline in reading abilities.
- Explains that reading instruction, as a field of study, is ripe with nightmares. too often, educators make assumptions about reading and its’ instruction.
- Analyzes how burnett shows that attitudes are changing, but slowly. teachers on the secondary level are still hesitant to get involved in reading instruction.
- Analyzes how bintz categorizes students', teacher's, and textbook-based nightmares as either student based, or someone else’s problem. many teachers feel that other teachers are the teachers of reading, not themselves.
- Opines that colleges and universities must rethink the role of reading education within the teacher curriculum. elementary, junior and senior high schools need to help themselves by intentionally and systematically making reading a high priority.
- Analyzes how their small group fit in well with bintz's statement about reading nightmares. teachers' comments rang true with a lot of things in our discussions.
- Opines that the two biggest obstacles to reading instruction are apathy and funding.
- Opines that the first reading of this article left them feeling like it was incomplete. the article is well written and gives a clear foundation for more study.
- Cites burnett, r.w., hall, fay, myers, and ginsberg.
- Explains humphrey's study of reading in indiana middle, junior and senior high schools.
1132 wordsRead More - A Comprehensive Approach to Improving Literacy in Americaanalytical essayIn the field of literary reform, there are many problems that arise causing the reformation to be stalled or even halted. In addition to these issues, there are a variety of stakeholders that play key roles in combating these smaller issues that inhibit action on the more pressing one. Through careful research practices and evaluation of actions that stakeholders have previously undergone, a solution that better embraces the mission of these organizations can arise.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that in the field of literary reform, there are many problems that arise causing the reformation to be stalled or even halted. a solution that better embraces the mission of these organizations can arise.
- Explains that there are many programs in place with missions that include an aim to raise the rate of literacy in america, but the number of effective programs is relatively slim.
- Explains that the single biggest barrier to literacy development in the united states and beyond is access to books and educational material. the national academy of sciences' preventing reading difficulties in young children emphasizes the role of parents in promoting early literacy.
- Explains that literacy gaps exist prior to children entering school, so the disparities must arise from conditions outside of schools — parents must realize and assume their roles as being one of the most important influencers of their young child's education.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of programs like books on wheels, parents' roles interacting with teacher support, and playtime.
- Explains that the enrich education program provides an opportunity for american citizens to benefit from being able to participate in everyday activities that involve literacy.
- Argues that programs attempting to change the united states’ illiteracy rate have ill-equipped approaches to the issue at hand.
- Explains that john w. kingdon, a specialist in american politics, stresses the importance of stakeholders and their influence over the success or failure of an organization.
- Explains that the role of each stakeholder in a school district provides an integral part to the entire organization.
- Explains that parent involvement is directly correlated to academic achievement, and that it is the number one predictor of early literacy success and failure.
- Cites booktrust - inspiring kids' passion for reading. brooks, a. c., social entrepreneurship: a modern approach to social value creation.
- Explains engaging stakeholders: including parents and the community to sustain improved reading outcomes.
- Cites lyons, t. s., and fagan, b. on the role of out-of-school factors in the literacy problem.
2038 wordsRead More - Burns, Paul C.,Roe, Betty D., and Ross, Elinor P. (1992). Teaching Reading in Todays Elementary Schools. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that native american people and culture are now being seen in a more true and distinguishing light. literature is immensely important when it comes to learning.
- Explains that children's literature is especially effective for developing these operations. language development is rapid during the preschool years, and becomes more refined as time passes.
- Explains that books give children characters to connect with. by connecting with characters of the same ethnic and cultural background, children can achieve self-approval and pride.
- Explains that social development is the fourth and final area. children can learn morals and establish beliefs by reading literature. multicultural literature is a type of literature that we need to look for when choosing books.
- Defines multicultural literature as literature about racial and ethnic minority groups that are culturally and socially different from the white anglo-saxon majority in the united states.
- Explains that children can decipher stereotypes by seeing and hearing things associated together. television, movies, and books are influential mediums that portray stereotyping.
- Analyzes how stereotypes characterize native americans as savage, depraved, cruel, noble, proud, silent, close to nature, or inferior, childlike, and helpless. some characters in literature are not given proper names.
- Opines that native americans were "saved" by the anglo-saxeon culture, depicts their own as being inferior; secondly, their culture may be depicted as valueless and thus not worthy of respect.
- Opines that native american ceremonies, artifacts and legends may be portrayed as foolish and not seen as important or positive cultural traits. any stereotype placed on a person or their culture is wrong and offensive.
- Explains that native americans and knowledgeable authorities are writing and illustrating more literature today than in the past. annotated bibliography of native american literature has been reviewed by professionals and declared "good" reading for children.
- Explains that "good" reading for children needs to have a criteria that can be followed. the completion of this criteria will define the literature as positive reading material.
- Opines that black, native, hispanic, and asian americans are portrayed as unique individuals with their own thoughts, emotions and philosophies, rather than representatives of particular racial or cultural groups.
- Asks whether a book transcends stereotypes in the appearance, behavior, and character traits of its nonwhite characters. does avoid depicting native americans as bloodthirsty warriors?
- Asks whether the physical diversity within a particular racial or cultural minority group is authentically portrayed in the text and the illustrations. do non-white characters have stereotypically exaggerated facial features or physiques that make them look alike?
- Questions whether children will recognize the characters in the text and the illustrations as black, hispanic, asian, or native american and not mistake them for white.
- Asks whether a racial or ethnic minority culture is accurately portrayed, treated with respect, or is it depicted as inferior to the majority white culture, and whether it is worthy of preservation.
- Describes the social issues and problems related to minority group status depicted honestly and accurately, without oversimplification. must characters who are members of racial and cultural minority groups exercise all the under- standing and forgiveness.
- Asks whether nonwhite characters handle their problems individually, through their own efforts or with the help of close family and friends, or are problems solved through the intervention of whites.
- Evaluates whether a story's setting is authentic, whether past, present, or future, and whether accurately describes the situations of non-white people in the united states and elsewhere.
- Describes the meanings of dialect and non-english words.
- Opines that we need to become aware of stereotypes that are "hidden" in our literature.
- Describes the works of burns, paul c., roe, betty d. and ross, elinor p.
1605 wordsRead More - Literacy Instruction Historyexplanatory essayThe evolution of reading instruction taught me the historical antecedents of reading methods and materials, and the values they conveyed. Understanding this history allowed me to see how the literacy instruction arrived at its current position. Additionally, historical knowledge allowed me to view the progress made in literacy instruction over time. A very practical matter addressed is effectiveness: what worked and what did not work in teaching children to read. Effective balanced instruction requires a very comprehensive, integrated approach, demanding that teachers know a great deal about literacy research related to emergent literacy, assessment-based instruction, phonological and phonemic awareness, the alphabetic principle, phonics and
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the evolution of reading instruction taught them the historical antecedents of the reading methods and materials, and the values they conveyed. effective balanced instruction requires a comprehensive, integrated approach.
149 wordsRead More - At Risk Students and Reading Proficiencyanalytical essayIt is a “reading world” we live in and students should be guaranteed every opportunity to succeed in this information driven society. Children today are overwhelmed with more reading material than ever before on billboard, television, the Internet and at school, causing reading to become a relevant and essential need in the life of every child (Lumpkin 1972). Being able to read has become the core of our information driven society. Yet, reading difficulties continue to plague the foundation of our education system creating a problem that only seems to be escalating. Hasselbring affirms that reading difficulties are a serious concern to our nation’s students claiming that, “as many as 20 percent of 17 year olds... [are] functionally illiterate and 44 percent of all high school students…[are] described as semi-illiterate”(2004). This is a harsh reality to face – a reality that stems from difficulties developed at the elementary level where reading complications arise and usually go unchecked. These reading difficulties are carri...
In this essay, the author
- Argues that students should be guaranteed every opportunity to succeed in this information-driven society. reading difficulties continue to plague the foundation of our education system.
- Explains that high schools are inundated with students that cannot read or comprehend at level text, causing them to be labeled as being at a disadvantage both economically and academically.
- Explains that english language learners (ells) are among the most tested population of students who have shown considerable gains in reading proficiency due to the read 180 intervention program.
- Cites rieg, s., journal of instructional psychology, 34(4), 214-225, retrieved from eric database.
683 wordsRead More - Strategies for Diverse Learners: Observation Resultsexplanatory essayThis report summarizes results of an assessment tool identified as Strategies for Diverse Learners implemented with a small group of three at-risk literacy learners and a teacher from a nearby district (Sullivan & Glanz, 2009). The focus of this report is on the implementation of strategies for diverse learners. Teachers instruct students, and the opposition in this obligation is that all children learn differently. The community of learners, I'm focusing on, in this report are the at-risk literacy learners. At-risk learners do not learn at the same rate as average or above average learners. The at-risk community needs reflective educators who are responsible in their learning; to be "in the know" how to teach this group of learners. There is no room for lack of literacy knowledge because the at-risk literacy learners deserve success, just as much as the average and above average learners in their age group. Research suggests that children with limited, early reading skills continue to struggle with reading and writing on the later grades and are likely to drop out of school (Alexander, Entwisle, & Horsey, 1997; Juel, 1988; Tabors, Snow, & Dickinson, 2001).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the teacher shared strengths in reading and writing process for each child about to be observed, reflecting upon some challenges, and gave sample language to support their learning.
- Explains that teacher observations, notes on reading and writing behaviors recorded on lesson records, teacher awareness about reading, reflection on past lessons, and running records over time were discussed.
- Explains the data pieces used were my observations; notes recorded about students' reading and writing behaviors, listening carefully to students’ conversation and teacher-child interactions.
- Explains how data gathered in a collaborative way through conversation, teachers’ notices, students thinking and active learning around text, and observer’s notice, notes and evidence from lesson.
- Evaluates the effectiveness of the strategy for diverse learners tool, which involved a targeted 30-minute observation of small literacy groups.
- Explains that the dialogue between two colleagues confirmed students' strength shared in the pre-conference, strengthened some procedures used, and sparked thinking and expanded on new learning around reading and writing.
- Opines that alexander, k. l., entwisle, d. r. & horsey, c. s. (1997). from first grade forward: early education.
- Explains fountas, i. c., and pinnell, g. s. the continuum of literacy learning, grades k-2: a guide to teaching.
- Summarizes the results of an assessment tool identified as strategies for diverse learners implemented with a small group of three at-risk literacy learners.
- Describes how at-risk literacy learners sit at their kidney-shaped table facing their teacher to begin learning for the next thirty minutes with reading and writing activities. the teacher intervenes only to support their learning.
- Cites juel, c., glanz, j. and sullivan, s. (2009). supervision that improves teaching and learning strategies. thousand oaks, ca: corwin.
970 wordsRead More - Who Is Jim Trelease's Ability To Read?analytical essay“A nation that does not read much does not know much. And a nation that does not know much is more likely to make poor choices in the home, the marketplace, the jury box, and the voting booth. And those decisions ultimately affect the entire nation...the literate and illiterate.” This quote by Jim Trelease accurately describes the state of our society today. The ability to read is so vital to our past, present, and future. However, though we have raised our standards, demanded higher test scores, and increased the pressure on our educators, there is little to show for it. Jim Trelease shares the statistic in his book, The Read-Aloud Handbook, that despite our desperate efforts, there has only been a one-point improvement in reading scores between
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how jim trelease's quote, the read-aloud handbook, accurately describes the state of our society today.
204 wordsRead More - The Role Of Illiteracy In The United Statesopinion essayLiteracy is an important part of life; whether in school or on the job, words are all around. Today, fourteen percent of the United States population does not know how to read (The U.S. Illiteracy Rate Hasn’t Changed In 10 Years). Though fourteen percent seems trivial, when put into a number it is equivalent to 5,460,000 people who cannot read at a functional level in the United States. For literacy rates to rise, our country needs to take a more active role in homes, communities, and in schools. To solve this problem, literacy must be defined, statistics need to be examined, issues which arise due to illiteracy must be recognized, diagnostics of reading problems need to be understood and acknowledged, and solutions should be brought to the
In this essay, the author
- Opines that for literacy rates to rise, our country needs to take a more active role in homes, communities, and in schools.
135 wordsRead More