This is something I hear often, but it isn't exactly true. The way that ACP's have changed our English classes are that kids rarely read books cover to cover anymore. They focus on passages that teachers know will be tested and break those down for the students. Beowulf, Great Expectations, and other "classics" are played via audio book in pieces and often are not played in their entirety.
Now, I was a bored by Miss Havisham as the next person, but being exposed to different types of stories and literature made me better. I got a few copies of A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones for some of my passionate readers to push their reading. Why? Pick up some of the books our kids choose to read. Take a look through the library. The problem is not that there are no books or that kids aren't reading, the problem is that the books are written in their vernacular.
English teachers get up in arms about this. Kids should have the freedom to read what's interesting to them. Some of that interest comes from being able to understand what's in the book. Forcing The King's English on kids that are struggling readers may not be the best option right away, but eventually it has to happen. We can't keep letting out students graduate without understanding the vast world of literature that exists outside of school.
I've met high school kids so far behind that they can barely read a picture book. If that's where it has to start, so be it. We all start there. That doesn't mean we allow that kid to continue reading that level/type of book without pushing them forward. Students being behind is not and excuse for letting them continue being behind. All of us, teacher, parents, admins, board members, superintendents, and the city government have to be part of pushing these kids forward. The "pass them on" approach isn't working and won't work. This is doable, but only if we're willing to be honest and face it.
If they can't read, they can't write. Two birds, one stone.
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Now, I was a bored by Miss Havisham as the next person, but being exposed to different types of stories and literature made me better. I got a few copies of A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones for some of my passionate readers to push their reading. Why? Pick up some of the books our kids choose to read. Take a look through the library. The problem is not that there are no books or that kids aren't reading, the problem is that the books are written in their vernacular.
English teachers get up in arms about this. Kids should have the freedom to read what's interesting to them. Some of that interest comes from being able to understand what's in the book. Forcing The King's English on kids that are struggling readers may not be the best option right away, but eventually it has to happen. We can't keep letting out students graduate without understanding the vast world of literature that exists outside of school.
I've met high school kids so far behind that they can barely read a picture book. If that's where it has to start, so be it. We all start there. That doesn't mean we allow that kid to continue reading that level/type of book without pushing them forward. Students being behind is not and excuse for letting them continue being behind. All of us, teacher, parents, admins, board members, superintendents, and the city government have to be part of pushing these kids forward. The "pass them on" approach isn't working and won't work. This is doable, but only if we're willing to be honest and face it.
If they can't read, they can't write. Two birds, one stone.
Related Articles:
Why Dallas Students Don't Write
Many Dallas Students can't read
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