Lesson #7:
Shift from grade level expectations to reaching ones highest potential.
by Wendy Crick
I believe that this next bit of information may explain why it is so challenging for some educators to change the way in which they teach reading. The ideas of teaching children to reach “grade level expectations” and teaching children to reach their highest potential are two quite different philosophies. In reaching grade level expectations teachers are trained to have students accomplish a set of skills, which isn’t a bad thing in itself. However, when it comes to reading in the lower elementary grades it gives teachers and parents a false sense of security. Many educators focus on teaching children lists of words which they can memorize and practice those words in regulated text, which leads to students appearing to be proficient in reading (scoring at grade level on many “tests”). Their main focus is on the test, which has been referred to as “teaching to the test”. Although many of the students who are considered “proficient” at the early grades begin to fall behind in 4th, 5th or 6th grade and are unable to accurately read and comprehend authentic text as they progress. With the philosophy of teaching children so they may reach their highest potential, there is more emphasis on learning the building blocks of our language and creating a strong foundation so that the strategies taught early on can be continually applied and refined in all reading situations at all grade levels.
More Lessons -
Lesson #1: Turn your anger into a passion.
Lesson #2: The lack of reading skills is a symptom not a condition.
Lesson #3: Think big and look for answers in new places.
Lesson #4: The need for engagement versus compliance.
Lesson #5: The need for quality remediation rather than accommodation.
Lesson #6: Empowering students
Lesson #7: Shift from grade level expectations to reaching ones highest potential.
Lesson #8: Exchange excuses for answers.
Lesson #9: Separate self from the system.
Lesson #10: Change is the only constant in our universe.
