Question

What are some changes you might suggest for improvement of reading instruction? 300 word

for a classroom

Answer 1

The NRC noted that for students to learn to read well they must a) understand how sounds are represented by print and be able to apply this understanding to read and spell words, b) practice reading enough to become fluent readers, c) learn new vocabulary words, and d) learn to self-monitor when reading to make sure what they read makes sense and to correct their own errors. The NRC also found that it was important that teachers provide explicit instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics integrated with many opportunities to read and write meaningful, connected text. (They purposefully used the word integratedr rather than balanced. It isn't enough simply to add on components of a fragmented curriculum to balance one with another.) Finally, they noted that effective reading teachers adapt their instruction, making changes designed to meet the needs of different students.

1. Teach essential skills and strategies.
   ◊ Effective reading teachers teach skills, strategies, and concepts.

2. 
   

3. Provide differentiated instruction based on assessment results and adapt instruction to meet students' needs.
   ◊ Effective teachers recognize that one size doesn't fit all and are ready to adapt instruction—both content and methods.

4. 
   

5. Provide explicit and systematic instruction with lots of practice—with and without teacher support and feedback, including cumulative practice over time.
   ◊ Students should not have to infer what they are supposed to learn.

6. 
   

7. Provide opportunities to apply skills and strategies in reading and writing meaningful text with teacher support.
   ◊ Students need to be taught what to do when they get to a "hard word."

8. 
   

9. Don't just "cover" critical content; be sure students learn it—monitor student progress regularly and reteach as necessary.