The most important repost of @DanaGoldstein’s piece that you’ll see.
It’s from @TNedu Commissioner. She has led the effort to get high-quality ELA curriculum in nearly every districts, and her schools are reaping the benefit.
I’m here for these calls for curriculum improvement from state leaders, especially the ones who have taken clear, strong action to get their districts to stop using Balanced Literacy curricula and start using high-quality curriculum.
I’ve been on a soapbox lately about the need to make the Science of Reading stand for all key reading research… not just the part about the importance of phonics.
My only real critique of @DanaGoldstein’s fantastic piece is that it signals that the phonics gap is THE problem with @TeachersCollege Reading Workshop is with its phonics/foundational skills.
The breeziness with which Calkins forgives herself for ignoring a “half century of research” that she only accepted in recent years (after a few withering reviews of her product, which is being ditched by NYC and more).
My favorite thing about the article:
It centers the important question, “How did this happen that a curriculum whose author ignored reading research became the most popular in US schools?”
“City officials told local lawmakers that launching the “full-time” virtual schools will be part of the solution to high rates of chronic absenteeism and re-engaging students in the wake of pandemic disruption.”
“the typical patchwork of spending and programs – library cards, free e-books, grants for dual language programs” that have failed to improve troubling literacy rates in CA schools.
Todd describes the “elements of a comprehensive plan,” and notes number of states taking action on literacy. He puts a particular spotlight on Mississippi.
In fact, @TNedu comes closest to @careads’s elements of comprehensive plan. @natwexler detailed: