Helping Kids Slip the Surly Bonds of Leveled Reading
New book touts the critical role teachers play in literacy development.
We often talk about the “reading wars” as if there were a single battle. In reality, it’s a multi-front conflict with several interlocking skirmishes.
- the long-running dispute over whether early instruction must include systematic phonics
- the debate over how much reading comprehension depends on content knowledge versus skills mastery
- the question of the teacher’s role—whether a “guide on the side” or a “sage on the stage”
- the combustible argument over text selection: Should we teach from grade-level texts or match books to each student’s “instructional level”
Author summary: Book explores teacher role in literacy development.