[AAACE-NLA] Reading Wars Startingin Adult Literacy

[AWilder106@aol.com]

Tom,

Very interesting. I worked on LPALS.   I read the book last year when it came 
out.   I think it is useful because it integrates two lines of thought.   I 
like the clarity of its prose and its respectful tone.

The componential method of teaching reading has not been critiqued, to my 
knowledge.   Is this the critique?   The piece you cite? When I used the 
componential method with overage teenagers (hmmm, sounds wrong but that is what they 
were) I was charmed at the notion of breaking down reading into little skill 
bits.   At that time (mid '90's) there was no single program (hence assessment) 
for teaching reading componential-style.   Consequentially, we used lots of 
different tests which were seen as having strengths in different areas.   We 
also focused on whether the student learned visually or by ear.   This last gets 
kind of mixed up in various reading wars; all I can say is that this is a 
crucial distinction, and I have used it for years with success, and just shut up 
about it when the issue surfaced.   Recent research bears me out on this issue, 
however.

I want to add three more things.

1)     Money is better spent if money is to be spent, on educating teachers 
rather than on reading programs.

2)     The 5 components in the NRP report (I think they are there, they are 
also in other reports) should be taught at the same time all the time, not in a 
linear sequence.

3)     The words "hegemony" and "critical" and scientifically proven in 
quotes as "scientifically proven" are red flags to me, and almost literally make me 
choke.    I think these words are often used as screens to mask the real 
people with real needs.   For some this may not be the case, I understand; 
however, they remain red flags for me.

I hope I have got my facts straight in what I have written above, if I 
haven't, please let me know and give me other facts to work with.

Hello to all aaace-nla writers and thinkers--Thanks, Tom, for your useful 
post and the citation.

Andrea
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