[Jenny1st]

This afternoon is our first meeting to begin to review our reading curriculum. Since I have been employed this is one area that has not been reviewed. Teachers are kind of left on their own to teach reading as they like. Some do whole group basal work (the basals are like 15 years old), some do centers while meeting with guided reading groups, some do the Daily 5, and some do Reader's Workshop (like TC or Growing Readers).
We will be reviewing the program/philosophy, assessments, continuum through 8th grade, etc...
Since PT has been such a GREAT resource for me I was wondering if you could share with me what your school uses and if it works for you. I am also looking for research behind the great practices occurring. I am a literacy junkie so I am also reading Allington, Pearson, etc... I don't want to present anything that isn't backed by solid research-I feel that is very important.
Thanks! This will be a 2 year review and we are just starting today so if you don't see this until tonight, I would still like to hear what you have to say....

[kjuda]

I'm about finishing up my Reading Endorsements course requirements and the books we have used are great. Tim Rasinski and Nancy Padak have several terrific books on the teaching of reading and especially teaching reading to kids who find reading difficult. Good luck! What a great opportunity to influence your teaching!

[Jenny1st]

I saw Tim last year at a conference. He opened by singing to us. He kept us engaged the whole time. I ADORE him...a great mind and a kind man to boot!

[spedkidsrock]

I know Sopris West will send you samples of their material if you ask. I have samples of their Language reading program. My school didn't have the funds to do anything with it though. I would assume most publishers will send you samples to look at. It's really nice to see what materials the students will be working with.

Florida Center for Reading Research studies and reviews reading programs. They look at programs and rate how aligned they are with the 5 components of reading. I think they also look to see if adequate practice is provided. It's a really good resource.

[Jenny1st]

I know that we are not going to go with a basal or "program." We are looking more at a philosophy or framework.

I will look at the Florida site. Thanks

[BestYet]

I would think teaching to a philosophy needs direction too. We are a Reading First school which has been very successful. But there are no more funds. Wouldn't you know when something is successful they don't continue to fund it. We use Houghton Mifflin at our schools. I teach at an ESL school, and I had 1 of my third graders test at "Advanced!" That has never been done at my school. The University of Oregon aslo evaluates reading programs and has lots of information on the big 5 for reading.

[Jenny1st]

I agree. I think that is why we are forming a council and a framework for the philosophy. The dialogue yesterday was interesting. We talked about current practices k-8. It was very enlightening!