"Readers without power to make their own choices are unmotivated." (pg 23)
I see this daily and I wish I had the power in my current role at a Title I
teacher to change this. Most of the other teachers at my school and I do
everything we can to make books available and to provide time for free
reading, but we are stuck with the basal. When evaluated and observed
(frequently), the one thing that is always looked for is "fidelity to the
core." The core being the basal. I understand that fidelity means teaching
the scope and sequence provided by the basal...using the basal. Beyond
that, teachers may use their own ideas to enhance the weekly skills and
strategies that are the focus. However, many times those observing are not
reading specialists nor thoroughly trained and demand "exclusive fidelity"
(is that a term) to a purchased program we call the basal. Fear has become
an issue among our younger...and not so much younger...teachers as a result.
I think the situation in my area is sad.
How to fix this? The teachers I work with have declared (amongst ourselves)
that we will teach using the basal and practice fidelity to their scope and
sequence, but add our own, effective and proven spice. Students will always
have a book in their desk (their choice) and will be given library time.
Alas, we must have accountability to some extent. Any creative ideas for
accountability without extinguishing the fire? I like the ideas in the book
and plan on suggesting them to my fellow teachers. I wonder if I would be a
more productive teacher in the classroom.
Thanks,
5rs
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