Synopses & Reviews
From ill-informed politicians, parents, and news reporters, the message is clear: whole language is to blame for illiteracy, declining test scores, and poor spelling and grammar skills. But is whole language - when accurately understood and practiced - truly at fault? Shouldn't we first question the ways in which teachers are trained, students are assessed, educators and parents are communicating, and funds are allocated?
Literacy at the Crossroads takes a hard look at these issues. By informing teachers about what's really happening in our schools, Routman opens up the educational dialogue and disproves some of the misconceptions that threaten good practice. She describes and clarifies critical concerns, suggesting actions we must take so that, in her words, "we can continue to do what's right and best for children."
True, there are problems with schools in America - but, according to Routman, back-to-basics instruction is not the solution. What's needed are teachers who are clear about their goals and outspoken about their beliefs. Here is a book that shows them how.
Review
Regie's insight, practical suggestions, and can-do approach can't help but inspire teachers - and parents! This was a real page turner for me.Patricia Broderick, Teaching K8
Review
Regie's insight, practical suggestions, and can-do approach can't help but inspire teachers - and parents! This was a real page turner for me.Patricia Broderick, Teaching K8
Synopsis
By informing teachers about what's really happening in our schools, Routman opens up the educational dialogue and disproves some of the misconceptions that threaten good practice.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 204-215) and index.
About the Author
Regie Routman's intimate knowledge of teaching and learning, down-to-earth style, and dedication to children's success have made her one of the most vibrant and respected names in literacy education. Her books, Teaching Essentials; Writing Essentials; Reading Essentials; Conversations; Literacy at the Crossroads; Invitations; The Blue Pages; and Transitions, all published by Heinemann, have encouraged hundreds of thousands of teachers to take charge of their professional learning and create efficient, joyful practices. Currently she is dedicating herself to a new, dynamic framework to support teachers' professional development. The DVD-based Regie Routman in Residence supports in-depth, yearlong literacy staff development that replicates the demonstration teaching she conducts in weeklong residencies and brings to life the practices she advocates in Teaching Essentials. Regie continues to inform and inspire teachers as a language arts coach in schools across the country, as a speaker at national conferences, and as a presenter of one-day workshops through Heinemann Professional Development.
Table of Contents
DEALING WITH THE POLITICS OF EDUCATION
Understanding the Backlash: What's Going on in Reading and Writing?
School Bashing: Do We Deserve the "Hits"?
Are Kids Poorer Readers Today?
Raising Our Goals for Teaching Reading
Are Kids Poorer Spellers Today?
The Controversy Over Phonics and Whole Language
Messages Parents Receive
Media Hype
Television's Prescriptive Point of View
Learning to Deal with the Media
What We Can Do to Get Our Messages Out
Lessons and Legacies from the Nineties: Learning from California and Other Places
California: Complex Issues Without Simple Solutions
Alief, Texas: Educators and Parents Learning to Work Together
Littleton, Colorado: A Conflict in Values and Beliefs
Fairfax County, Virginia: Innovation with Community Support
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