View Content #170
| Contentid | 170 |
|---|---|
| Content Type | 1 |
| Title | LET THEM EAT PHONICS: THE BUSH EDUCATION LEGACY |
| Body | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- May 2003 Contact: Mike Trokan. 414-964-9646 or rsmike@execpc.com LET THEM EAT PHONICS: THE BUSH EDUCATION LEGACY The Bush administration's educational policies have been a disaster for public education. The focus on standardized tests and so-called scientifically based reading programs continues while millions of poor children are being denied a quality education. The current issue of Rethinking Schools examines the scripted reading programs that are now mandated in classrooms around the country. Gerald Coles, author of Reading the Naked Truth: Literacy, Legislation, and Lies, examines the cruelty inherent in forcing students into scripted reading programs of dubious quality while ignoring the poverty and other underlying factors that affect learning. Richard Meyer, a 22-year teaching veteran and associate professor at the University of New Mexico, takes on the phonics craze. He documents the day in a life of a teacher forced to use scripted phonics program in her classroom. He also examines the long-range effects of this one-size-fits-all educational strategy. "The voice of the government via the 'No Child Left Behind' act gives the message that systematic direct-intense phonics instruction will solve many of our educational problems and lead to student success in life beyond school," says Meyer "... I hope that this analysis will prove useful as we make the case against being held hostage by programs that appease powerful special-interest groups and make publishers rich at the expense of authentic learning." Also in the Summer 2003 issue of Rethinking Schools: o "Testing Our Sanity," by Kelley Dawson, a fourth grade bilingual teacher who shares her story of preparing students for mandated tests that are not developmentally appropriate. o "The Conservative Connection," by Barbara Miner, who untangles the ideological ties between voucher supporters and affirmative action foes. o "Wall Street Journal Loses School Board Race," by Bob Peterson, who explains how Milwaukee's private school voucher program put a local election into the national spotlight. o "Turning Her Back," an exclusive interview with college basketball player Toni Smith, who refused to salute the flag before her games, by Stacie Williams. o "I Chose the Baby," by Priscilla Pardini, who examines the national scope of teen pregnancy and looks at an innovative Milwaukee program that helps teen moms stay in school. o More articles on teaching about the war from Rethinking Schools, including "Teaching in a Time of War," an editorial on the myth of teacher neutrality. Rethinking Schools is a nonprofit, independent, quarterly journal that advocates education reform in elementary and secondary public schools. Free review copies are available to the media. Call 414-964.9646 or send an email request to rsonline@execpc.com. View current articles and other publications on our website: www.rethinkingschools.org. |
| Source | Rethinking Schools |
| Inputdate | 2003-05-21 12:50:00 |
| Lastmodifieddate | 2003-05-21 12:50:00 |
| Expdate | Not set |
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| Active | 1 |
| Emailed | 1 |
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