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Reading matters
This new study from the Annie E. Casey Foundation reports that grade 3 kids who are reading below grade level are 4 times less likely to graduate from high school. And if the kids are from poor families, they are 13 times less likely to graduate from high school than their wealthier peers who read at grade level or better. The researchers didn’t look at grade 1 kids who are reading below grade level but it is likely, based on other research, that the same applies to grade 1 kids.
Primary teachers have an awesome responsibility. Their students’ futures are literally in their hands!
While I’m on the subject, we promised to mention the International Dyslexia Association’s (Ontario Branch) conference in Toronto on May 7 in Toronto. More information here.
How interesting making the connection between Annie E. Case foundation report and the Dyslexia conference in Toronto. The solution to the current state of achievement in the public schools, can be found at the Dyslexia conference.
“DEE ROSENBERG, M.A.
Cerebrodiversity and Effective Reading Instruction
Dee will discuss the implications of neuroscience research for teaching and learning, with an emphasis on dyslexia. Dyslexic brains are uniquely organized and function differently. This alternative brain design reflects cerebrodiversity—a term that refers to human neural heterogeneity and the resulting profiles of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. While the keynote address will focus on technology as a solution for success, Dee Rosenberg will offer in-depth information for the remainder of the day on how effective reading instruction in the classroom for dyslexic students is achieved.”
http://www.idaontario.com/uploads/Conference/2011ONBIDA ConferenceBrochure.pdf
A sample of Rosenberg work, at another Dyslexia conference, is below.
http://www.interdys.org/ewebeditpro5/upload/F13-D.Rosenberg.pdf
The public education educrats should be force to go, and hear Rosenberg speak on such topics such as background knowledge, phonemic awareness, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and all the other foundational skills that are so sadly neglected in our public schools, and is the key to closing the achievement gaps of all students.