PEDP 9102 - Reading Fundamentals 2: Laying the Foundation for Effective Reading Instruction
23220
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Course Description
Reading is the cornerstone of an effective education. Without this skill we are limited in so many important life activities. We cannot access the newspaper, read the directions of a new recipe, enjoy a favorite novel, or read a prescription bottle of medication. The list goes on and on. Reading is tied to all other academic areas. Without reading, mathematics, writing, spelling, and the content areas such as science and social studies are difficult, if not impossible, to participate in or complete at an adequate level. College becomes out of the question and many jobs are simply out of reach because they require some basic level of reading or other skill that hinges on reading. An inability to read renders these individuals almost powerless in our society. Further, a report of the Commission on Reading (1985) entitled Becoming a Nation of Readers noted the following, almost 20 years ago: Economics research has established that schooling is an investment that forms human capital?that is, knowledge, skill, and problem-solving ability that have enduring value. While a country receives a good investment in education at all levels from nursery school and kindergarten through college, the research reveals that the returns are highest from the early years of schooling when children are first learning to read. (p. 1) Unfortunately, a vast number of our students are failing to learn to read in our schools in grades K-3. The problem does not go away over time. In fact, the majority of these students continue a trend of failure in reading. This problem has not gone without notice. Reading initiatives such as the federal legislation of 2001 have tried to tackle this critical academic area ?head on? by focusing on scientifically-based reading programs. Further, five essential components of effective reading programs have been identified and are key focal areas of the 2001 federal legislation. These areas are phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Research has shown that students need to master skills in these areas to become proficient readers. The cry now heard is ?every child a reader by the end of third grade.? It?s about time.Loading...
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