[MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, Mena Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes By Sara Toth, January 20, 2012 A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not include traditional reading classes. The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposed change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice Chairman Frank Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or another, whether it's next week or next year." Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have a 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations on a 45-minute, eight-period day. The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who packed a public hearing last week to voice their opposition. The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state curriculum that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all content areas, said Clarissa Evans, executive director of school improvement and curricular program. School officials say stand-alone reading class is inconsistent with the new curriculum, which goes into effect for the 2012-13 academic year. On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board and central office staff members resulted in several scheduling options being presented for consideration next week, all based around freeing involved teachers from administrative duties or meetings during the implementation period. One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day planning period for those teachers, who already have one planning period devoted to administrative duties like lunch supervision or collaborative planning meetings
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope Missouri does not follow suit. Deborah Lawson On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: > > Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, Mena > > Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes > > > By Sara Toth, > January 20, 2012 > > > A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not > include traditional reading classes. > The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposed > change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice Chairman Frank > Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or another, whether it's next > week or next year." > Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have a > 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations on a > 45-minute, eight-period day. > > The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who packed a > public hearing last week to voice their opposition. > The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state curriculum > that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all content areas, said > Clarissa Evans, executive director of school improvement and curricular > program. School officials say stand-alone reading class is inconsistent > with the new curriculum, which goes into effect for the 2012-13 academic > year. > On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board and > central office staff members resulted in several scheduling options being > presented for consideration next week, all based around freeing involved > teachers from administrative duties or meetings during the implementation > period. > One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school > improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day planning > period for those teachers, who already have one planning period devoted to > administrative duties like lunch supervision or collaborative planning > meetings. > Another option allowing the teachers a program planning period every day > is on the table, but that would require an additional teacher at each of > the middle schools, said Linda Wise, chief academic officer, and would cost > $1.3 million. > "It's staggering to me," she said. "We don't believe that's necessary." > Under the proposed changes, all students would have an English Language > Arts class and below-grade readers would also have a reading-specific class > during the school day. At- or above-level readers could take an "advanced > inquiry and innovation" course, like economic literacy. > . > The system would not eliminate explicit reading instruction for students > who need it, Evans said, and reading instruction in other classes would not > just be "tacked on at the end of the class." Rather, middle schools will > undergo a massive change in curriculum, and "content-area" teachers — like > those who teach science, social studies or math — would have lessons > several times a week that focus on critical reading and response skills. > "We're restructuring to an extent that I think is greater than people > understand in all classes to emphasize literacy skills," she said. > > > > Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. > Florida Atlantic University > Dept. of Teaching and Learning > College of Education > 2912 College Ave. ES 214 > Davie, FL 33314 > Phone: 954-236-1070 > Fax: 954-236-1050 > > > ___ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive > > ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not be completely dropped. Troy Fredde On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson wrote: I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope Missouri does not follow suit. Deborah Lawson On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, Mena Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes By Sara Toth, January 20, 2012 A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not include traditional reading classes. The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposed change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice Chairman Frank Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or another, whether it's next week or next year." Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have a 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations on a 45-minute, eight-period day. The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who packed a public hearing last week to voice their opposition. The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state curriculum that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all content areas, said Clarissa Evans, executive director of school improvement and curricular program. School officials say stand-alone reading class is inconsistent with the new curriculum, which goes into effect for the 2012-13 academic year. On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board and central office staff members resulted in several scheduling options being presented for consideration next week, all based around freeing involved teachers from administrative duties or meetings during the implementation period. One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day planning period for those teachers, who already have one planning period devoted to administrative duties like lunch supervision or collaborative planning meetings. Another option allowing the teachers a program planning period every day is on the table, but that would require an additional teacher at each of the middle schools, said Linda Wise, chief academic officer, and would cost $1.3 million. "It's staggering to me," she said. "We don't believe that's necessary." Under the proposed changes, all students would have an English Language Arts class and below-grade readers would also have a reading-specific class during the school day. At- or above-level readers could take an "advanced inquiry and innovation" course, like economic literacy. . The system would not eliminate explicit reading instruction for students who need it, Evans said, and reading instruction in other classes would not just be "tacked on at the end of the class." Rather, middle schools will undergo a massive change in curriculum, and "content-area" teachers — like those who teach science, social studies or math — would have lessons several times a week that focus on critical reading and response skills. "We're restructuring to an extent that I think is greater than people understand in all classes to emphasize literacy skills," she said. Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. Florida Atlantic University Dept. of Teaching and Learning College of Education 2912 College Ave. ES 214 Davie, FL 33314 Phone: 954-236-1070 Fax: 954-236-1050 ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/ mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/ mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive Viol
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not be completely dropped. Troy Fredde On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson wrote: > I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope Missouri > does not follow suit. > > Deborah Lawson > > On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: > >> >> Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, Mena >> >> Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes >> >> >> By Sara Toth, >> January 20, 2012 >> >> >> A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not >> include traditional reading classes. >> The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the proposed >> change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice Chairman Frank >> Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or another, whether it's next >> week or next year." >> Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have a >> 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations on a >> 45-minute, eight-period day. >> >> The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who packed a >> public hearing last week to voice their opposition. >> The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state curriculum >> that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all content areas, said >> Clarissa Evans, executive director of school improvement and curricular >> program. School officials say stand-alone reading class is inconsistent >> with the new curriculum, which goes into effect for the 2012-13 academic >> year. >> On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board and >> central office staff members resulted in several scheduling options being >> presented for consideration next week, all based around freeing involved >> teachers from administrative duties or meetings during the implementation >> period. >> One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school >> improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day planning >> period for those teachers, who already have one planning period devoted to >> administrative duties like lunch supervision or collaborative planning >> meetings. >> Another option allowing the teachers a program planning period every day >> is on the table, but that would require an additional teacher at each of >> the middle schools, said Linda Wise, chief academic officer, and would cost >> $1.3 million. >> "It's staggering to me," she said. "We don't believe that's necessary." >> Under the proposed changes, all students would have an English Language >> Arts class and below-grade readers would also have a reading-specific class >> during the school day. At- or above-level readers could take an "advanced >> inquiry and innovation" course, like economic literacy. >> . >> The system would not eliminate explicit reading instruction for students >> who need it, Evans said, and reading instruction in other classes would not >> just be "tacked on at the end of the class." Rather, middle schools will >> undergo a massive change in curriculum, and "content-area" teachers — like >> those who teach science, social studies or math — would have lessons >> several times a week that focus on critical reading and response skills. >> "We're restructuring to an extent that I think is greater than people >> understand in all classes to emphasize literacy skills," she said. >> >> >> >> Philomena Marinaccio-Eckel, Ph.D. >> Florida Atlantic University >> Dept. of Teaching and Learning >> College of Education >> 2912 College Ave. ES 214 >> Davie, FL 33314 >> Phone: 954-236-1070 >> Fax: 954-236-1050 >> >> >> ___ >> Mosaic mailing list >> Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org >> To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to >> http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org >> >> Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive >> >> > ___ > Mosaic mailing list > Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org > To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to > http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org > > Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive > ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
Literacy in the content areas does look different and should be taught in each content. Teaching a blanket "reading" does not support students in each content. I think that this is what the article is talking about. We made a move in our district to do just this... reading a biology book looks totally different than reading a novel, and who better to teach their students about "how" to read a biology book than a biology teacher. Our Junior Highs and High Schools are teaching students how to think through Content Literacy. I assume the content area of English with include the reading of fiction. Just my thoughts :) Lisa -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:00 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: > Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading > classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not > be completely dropped. > > Troy Fredde > > On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson > wrote: > >> I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope >> Missouri does not follow suit. >> >> Deborah Lawson >> >> On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: >> >>> >>> Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, >>> Mena >>> >>> Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes >>> >>> >>> By Sara Toth, >>> January 20, 2012 >>> >>> >>> A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not >>> include traditional reading classes. >>> The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the >>> proposed change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice >>> Chairman Frank Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or >>> another, whether it's next week or next year." >>> Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have >>> a 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations >>> on a 45-minute, eight-period day. >>> >>> The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who >>> packed a public hearing last week to voice their opposition. >>> The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state >>> curriculum that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all >>> content areas, said Clarissa Evans, executive director of school >>> improvement and curricular program. School officials say stand-alone >>> reading class is inconsistent with the new curriculum, which goes >>> into effect for the 2012-13 academic year. >>> On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board >>> and central office staff members resulted in several scheduling >>> options being presented for consideration next week, all based >>> around freeing involved teachers from administrative duties or >>> meetings during the implementation period. >>> One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school >>> improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day >>> planning period for those teachers, who already have one planning >>> period devoted to administrative duties like lunch supervision or >>> collaborative planning meetings. >>> Another option allowing the teachers a program planning period every >>> day is on the table, but that would require an additional teacher at >>> each of the middle schools, said Linda Wise, chief academic officer, >>> and would cost >>> $1.3 million. >>> "It's staggering to me," she said. "We don't believe that's >>> necessary." >>> Under the proposed changes, all students would have an English >>> Language Arts class and below-grade readers would also have a >>> reading-specific class during the school day. At- or above-lev
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
I teach middle school on a campus with 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Secondary students DO need a reading class. If you are an elementary teacher, you would probably be amazed how many students we get in 6th grade that cannot decode, are not fluent, and have little or no comprehension skills. Our public schools in America are not placing emphasis on reading in secondary schools, but rather skipping it. If you have time, do the research on what America spends on Adult Literacy. It is astounding!! The money that should be spent in secondary public school education is being taken away and then because of the high numbers of adult illiteracy in America our government offers many grants, etc. for organizations to teach adult literacy skills. Check out the local agencies in your community and determine how they are funded. Now, for the schools that are removing reading classes...I think this is being done primarily because of funding deficiencies. Reading teachers are being eliminated and the entire curriculum is being overhauled so that the content teachers can be trained to "teach" reading. I hope it works but again--going out on a limb here--I think as education follows a cyclical format, that years down the road the realization will come that those content teachers will not be as effective as the educator who has chosen to get their degree in reading and literacy. I think as teachers/educators of literacy that we must advocate for reading and literacy to be continued through secondary education in America. Local school boards cannot make these decisions alone. The decisions are being made in state education agencies---who are often represented by few teachers, but rather white collar professionals. Mrs. Marsha Foltermann 6th grade, ELAR 903-462-7307 For a conference, please call the office: 903-462-7200 mfolterm...@denisonisd.net -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:00 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: > Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading > classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not > be completely dropped. > > Troy Fredde > > On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson > wrote: > >> I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope >> Missouri does not follow suit. >> >> Deborah Lawson >> >> On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: >> >>> >>> Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, >>> Mena >>> >>> Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes >>> >>> >>> By Sara Toth, >>> January 20, 2012 >>> >>> >>> A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not >>> include traditional reading classes. >>> The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the >>> proposed change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice >>> Chairman Frank Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or >>> another, whether it's next week or next year." >>> Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have >>> a 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations >>> on a 45-minute, eight-period day. >>> >>> The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who >>> packed a public hearing last week to voice their opposition. >>> The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state >>> curriculum that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all >>> content areas, said Clarissa Evans, executive director of school >>> improvement and curricular program. School officials say stand-alone >>> reading class is inconsistent with the new curriculum, which goes >>> into effect for the 2012-13 academic year. >>> On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board >>> and central office staff members resulted
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
I totally agree with you Lisa---totally, totally different type of reading between fiction and nonfiction materials. IF the content teachers will 'teach' the essential skills of literacy in order to comprehend non-fiction materials then I can understand this decision. From my personal life experiences I have witnessed the content teachers struggling to teach their full curriculum as it is, so I think it will be even more stressful for them to have added curriculum. There is no way they can continue to teach a full science curriculum AND add a reading/literacy curriculum without more time. Something has to be eliminated or 'watered down'. Of course integration is the desired method, but simply because I have worked with content teachers who refused to support reading and literacy I guess I am just pessimistic about the success of this new curriculum. I strongly believe we must put kids first, so of course I WANT this new plan to work! In reality, I have recently completed a Master's Degree in reading and I am a certified reading specialist. Fresh on my mind is the knowledge that I gained about the power of politics in American schools. Forgive me please for being negative. Mrs. Marsha Foltermann 6th grade, ELAR 903-462-7307 For a conference, please call the office: 903-462-7200 mfolterm...@denisonisd.net -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Ward, Lisa Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:53 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes Literacy in the content areas does look different and should be taught in each content. Teaching a blanket "reading" does not support students in each content. I think that this is what the article is talking about. We made a move in our district to do just this... reading a biology book looks totally different than reading a novel, and who better to teach their students about "how" to read a biology book than a biology teacher. Our Junior Highs and High Schools are teaching students how to think through Content Literacy. I assume the content area of English with include the reading of fiction. Just my thoughts :) Lisa -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:00 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: > Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading > classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not > be completely dropped. > > Troy Fredde > > On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson > wrote: > >> I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope >> Missouri does not follow suit. >> >> Deborah Lawson >> >> On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: >> >>> >>> Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, >>> Mena >>> >>> Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes >>> >>> >>> By Sara Toth, >>> January 20, 2012 >>> >>> >>> A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not >>> include traditional reading classes. >>> The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the >>> proposed change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice >>> Chairman Frank Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or >>> another, whether it's next week or next year." >>> Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have >>> a 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations >>> on a 45-minute, eight-period day. >>> >>> The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who >>> packed a public hearing last week to voice their opposition. >>> The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state >>> curriculum that emphasiz
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
I am a reading specialist in a middle school. My classes are students who are significantly below grade level in reading. My class is in addition to their English, ELL, and Support classes. Kathleen Ambrose Reading Specialist Hampton Bays Middle School From: mosaic-bounces+kambrose=hbschools...@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+kambrose=hbschools...@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee [phoenix...@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:59 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: > Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading > classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not > be completely dropped. > > Troy Fredde > > On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson > wrote: > >> I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope >> Missouri >> does not follow suit. >> >> Deborah Lawson >> >> On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 12:48 PM, Mena wrote: >> >>> >>> Does anyone understand the thinking behind this decision? ...From, >>> Mena >>> >>> Middle schools to drop traditional reading classes >>> >>> >>> By Sara Toth, >>> January 20, 2012 >>> >>> >>> A new schedule is coming for county middle schools, and it will not >>> include traditional reading classes. >>> The Howard County Board of Education is scheduled to vote on the >>> proposed >>> change Thursday, Jan. 26, and according to board Vice Chairman Frank >>> Aquino, "This is going to pass at some time or another, whether it's >>> next >>> week or next year." >>> Under the new schedule, all Howard County middle schools would have a >>> 50-minute, seven-period schedule, as opposed to current variations >>> on a >>> 45-minute, eight-period day. >>> >>> The changes have been roundly denounced by county teachers, who >>> packed a >>> public hearing last week to voice their opposition. >>> The changes are being considered in the wake of a new state >>> curriculum >>> that emphasizes infusing literacy instruction into all content >>> areas, said >>> Clarissa Evans, executive director of school improvement and >>> curricular >>> program. School officials say stand-alone reading class is >>> inconsistent >>> with the new curriculum, which goes into effect for the 2012-13 >>> academic >>> year. >>> On Thursday, Jan. 19, a four-hour long work session with the board >>> and >>> central office staff members resulted in several scheduling options >>> being >>> presented for consideration next week, all based around freeing >>> involved >>> teachers from administrative duties or meetings during the >>> implementation >>> period. >>> One possibility, said William Ryan, executive director of school >>> improvement and administration, is to have an every-other-day >>> planning >>> period for those teachers, who already have one planning period >>> devoted to >>> administrative duties like lunch supervision or collaborative >>> planning >>> meetings. >>> Another option allowing the teachers a program planning period every >>> day >>> is on the table, but that would require an additional teacher at >>> each of >>> the middle schools, said Linda Wise, chief academic officer, and >>> would cost >>> $1.3 million. >>> "It's staggering to me," she said. "We don't believe that's >>> necessary." >>> Under the proposed changes, all students would have an English >>> Language >>> Arts class and below-grade readers would also have a >>> reading-specific class >>> during the school day. At- or above-level readers could take an >>> "advanced >>> inquiry and innovation" course, like economic litera
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
As an English Language Arts teacher, I completely disagree with the idea of dropping literacy classes and having it incorporated into the content areas. There must be a separate place to learn, model and practice the skills required for reading both fiction and non-fiction. I teach these skills in my classroom, and they are carried over in social studies, science, etc. Unless those subject area teacchers are ALSO certified literacy teacchers, then this system is doomed to fail. I also havce noticed that with the Common Core Standards, there is a huge push towards non-fiction. Of course. Why should kids actually ENJOY reading books like Twilight or The Hunger Games? Give them boring textbooks to read all day and then we will have a generation of robots Sounds like a bright future to me! Mrs. Sara Dluhos Barnes IS24 "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin From: mosaic-bounces+sdluhos=schools.nyc@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+sdluhos=schools.nyc@literacyworkshop.org] on behalf of Foltermann, Marsha [mfolterm...@denisonisd.net] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 12:35 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes I totally agree with you Lisa---totally, totally different type of reading between fiction and nonfiction materials. IF the content teachers will 'teach' the essential skills of literacy in order to comprehend non-fiction materials then I can understand this decision. From my personal life experiences I have witnessed the content teachers struggling to teach their full curriculum as it is, so I think it will be even more stressful for them to have added curriculum. There is no way they can continue to teach a full science curriculum AND add a reading/literacy curriculum without more time. Something has to be eliminated or 'watered down'. Of course integration is the desired method, but simply because I have worked with content teachers who refused to support reading and literacy I guess I am just pessimistic about the success of this new curriculum. I strongly believe we must put kids first, so of course I WANT this new plan to work! In reality, I have recently completed a Master's Degree in reading and I am a certified reading specialist. Fresh on my mind is the knowledge that I gained about the power of politics in American schools. Forgive me please for being negative. Mrs. Marsha Foltermann 6th grade, ELAR 903-462-7307 For a conference, please call the office: 903-462-7200 mfolterm...@denisonisd.net -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Ward, Lisa Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:53 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes Literacy in the content areas does look different and should be taught in each content. Teaching a blanket "reading" does not support students in each content. I think that this is what the article is talking about. We made a move in our district to do just this... reading a biology book looks totally different than reading a novel, and who better to teach their students about "how" to read a biology book than a biology teacher. Our Junior Highs and High Schools are teaching students how to think through Content Literacy. I assume the content area of English with include the reading of fiction. Just my thoughts :) Lisa -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:00 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. Renee On Jan 26, 2012, at 4:27 AM, Troy F wrote: > Is reading being taught in another way than traditional reading > classes? Is it being integrated across the cirriculum? It better not > be completely dropped. > > Troy Fredde > > On Jan 25, 2012, at 10:15 PM, Deborah Lawson > wrote: > >> I don't understand the thinking, but it is very scary. I hope >> Missouri does not follow su
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
Thank you for saying so eloquently what I wanted to say! Mrs. Marsha Foltermann 6th grade, ELAR 903-462-7307 For a conference, please call the office: 903-462-7200 mfolterm...@denisonisd.net -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Dluhos Sara (31R024) Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 1:00 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes As an English Language Arts teacher, I completely disagree with the idea of dropping literacy classes and having it incorporated into the content areas. There must be a separate place to learn, model and practice the skills required for reading both fiction and non-fiction. I teach these skills in my classroom, and they are carried over in social studies, science, etc. Unless those subject area teacchers are ALSO certified literacy teacchers, then this system is doomed to fail. I also havce noticed that with the Common Core Standards, there is a huge push towards non-fiction. Of course. Why should kids actually ENJOY reading books like Twilight or The Hunger Games? Give them boring textbooks to read all day and then we will have a generation of robots Sounds like a bright future to me! Mrs. Sara Dluhos Barnes IS24 "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." -Benjamin Franklin From: mosaic-bounces+sdluhos=schools.nyc@literacyworkshop.org [mosaic-bounces+sdluhos=schools.nyc@literacyworkshop.org] on behalf of Foltermann, Marsha [mfolterm...@denisonisd.net] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 12:35 PM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes I totally agree with you Lisa---totally, totally different type of reading between fiction and nonfiction materials. IF the content teachers will 'teach' the essential skills of literacy in order to comprehend non-fiction materials then I can understand this decision. From my personal life experiences I have witnessed the content teachers struggling to teach their full curriculum as it is, so I think it will be even more stressful for them to have added curriculum. There is no way they can continue to teach a full science curriculum AND add a reading/literacy curriculum without more time. Something has to be eliminated or 'watered down'. Of course integration is the desired method, but simply because I have worked with content teachers who refused to support reading and literacy I guess I am just pessimistic about the success of this new curriculum. I strongly believe we must put kids first, so of course I WANT this new plan to work! In reality, I have recently completed a Master's Degree in reading and I am a certified reading specialist. Fresh on my mind is the knowledge that I gained about the power of politics in American schools. Forgive me please for being negative. Mrs. Marsha Foltermann 6th grade, ELAR 903-462-7307 For a conference, please call the office: 903-462-7200 mfolterm...@denisonisd.net -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+mfoltermann=denisonisd@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Ward, Lisa Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 9:53 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes Literacy in the content areas does look different and should be taught in each content. Teaching a blanket "reading" does not support students in each content. I think that this is what the article is talking about. We made a move in our district to do just this... reading a biology book looks totally different than reading a novel, and who better to teach their students about "how" to read a biology book than a biology teacher. Our Junior Highs and High Schools are teaching students how to think through Content Literacy. I assume the content area of English with include the reading of fiction. Just my thoughts :) Lisa -Original Message- From: mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org [mailto:mosaic-bounces+wardl=laramie1@literacyworkshop.org] On Behalf Of Renee Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2012 8:00 AM To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english"
Re: [MOSAIC] Middle schools to drop reading classes
My district gave up reading classes about 4 years ago. Biggest mistake they ever made. Our scores went down drastically which now has the district in a tizzy. The kids are missing reading strategy instruction as well as reading workshop. The idea was to have Lit Coaches incorporate reading into the content areas. This did not work the way it was planned. I wouldn't be surprised to see a return to some kind of formalized instruction after the next round of low scores. Pat www.pawsofwood.com ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
Re: [MOSAIC] middle schools to drop reading classes
Mary: A voracious >reader will be able to juggle. However, 4th grade students can also be book >hopping and never connecting to any book. The more the reader struggles the >less they can handle. As to fiction and non-fiction -- many people speak of how boys prefer non-fiction. Maybe I've just worked with low kids so much, but in my experience the boys *also* liked non-fiction because you didn't have to make a commitment to the book -- you could look at pictures, read captions, read chunks here and there. (And if you skipped 'the hard words', who knew?) There's something about following an author's lengthy and sustained argument in the case of non-fiction that must be "worked at" (from page 1! ;-) ) -- and then you might find the pleasure in your increased power to follow? (See Nicholas Carr's great recent book, The Shallows.) Of course, "boys like non-fiction". But maybe the argument is overstated? and Renee (and others) It looked to me, in the article, that it is being shifted to the content areas, that it would be addressed specifically in the content areas. I have no problem with this. I am not a middle school teacher, but frankly it seems weird to me to have a "reading" class in middle school, although maybe it is just what they used to call "english" >class and if it means that the kids are no longer going to be reading any >fiction, then I say it's a big, big mistake. > The article does state supplementary classes would be given to students needing it so I guess the devil is in the details? Again, it all depends on the teacher. English (and novel reading etc.) remain a required subject throughout middle and high school here in BC. Much lip service is given as well to "all teachers must be reading teachers as well" -- regarding content areas like science, socials, etc. However, in practice, it appears this happens very little (time constraints etc.). Years ago, we worked to develop a provincial media literacy curriculum. In its wisdom, our provincial leaders chose not to designate it as a separate curriculum, but sprinkled the PLOs (prescribed learning outcomes) into other subject areas, primarily being English and Social Studies. Now, it appears it is taught very little (and those outcomes are not taken seriously) -- except where a teacher has a particular interest. Yet you could argue we need it more than ever? Linda Rightmire South Central British Columbia ___ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
