Julie is wondering if we need more formal reading classes

 Should we be focusing more on literacy and reading in schools?   Should we be advocating for longer amounts of class time for literacy and reading? Building on what Peach Smith shared with us last week, literacy seems to be declining and “over 40 million American adults are functionally illiterate and are unable to read above a fifth-grade level." Specific reading classes, as I was growing up, were part of the daily classroom schedule only until 6th grade. Should schools be holding specifically designated reading classes in all classes, K-12?  Would more time spent on reading be helpful to our students?  Thoughts?    

 

Peach is concerned about literacy statistics

 Literacy is at an all-time low. The percentage of American adults who read anything at all, whether fiction or non-fiction, has reached an all-time low, and according to the National Endowment for the Arts, only 55% of American adults engage in reading. Younger readers are more likely to listen to audiobooks than they are to read. Reading comprehension levels are also declining, with only 42% of white 8th graders and 15% of minority 8th graders being able to read at grade level. The reading levels for black students are also declining faster overall.   In some school districts, the 8th-grade reading proficiency is as low as 2%. The quality of the content being read is also continuing to decline. As many as 60% of incoming college freshmen need remedial tutoring. Given this alarming environment, what responsibility do teachers have to encourage not only fluency but quality of content? What do you think that teachers might do to help students become fluent readers?  How do you think you can encourage students to read and enjoy the content matter that you are required to teach?  

Dr. Ries asks a question about the importance of content and literacy

 After reading Chapter 1 of the text, what do you feel is your responsibility with regard to the teaching of literacy in your secondary English or social studies or science or math class?  Is that type of emphasis your responsibility and if so then what is your responsibility with regard to content?