Description
Book SynopsisNearly forty percent of all fourth graders in this country cannot read at grade level, and this number rises to sixty percent for children coming from poor families. This gap in learning increases as students go through grade school and is a primary reason for school failure. Ironically, this problem comes even after comprehensive research demonstrates that nearly all children can learn to read if taught using proven-effective instruction. Here, the authors describe the principles of this research in language that non-educators can understand and educators can use. It discusses how to recognize whether the research on reading is being used appropriately, and if not, how to make that happen. Through the eyes of parents and educators who have succeeded in their own struggles to change the educational system, the book provides the reader with the tools and knowledge for transforming the way reading is taught in their children''s classrooms. This book takes the reader step-by-step through
Trade Review“This book has the potential to change an appalling statistic—70%–80% of poor minority children cannot read at grade level. This is a national and personal tragedy that cannot continue to exist. Blaunstein, Lyon, and Riccards lay out the facts, solutions, and tools to help parents work to solve this problem. Every parent should know these in order to make the changes needed to eradicate reading failure in our children.” -- Quentin Lawson, executive director, National Alliance of Black School Educators
“I am the parent of an 11 year old special needs child. She has had a number of problems learning to read. For a parent, navigating the education system can be extremely difficult and frustrating. Everything becomes personal, and the stakes are high. This book was so helpful to me. The resources are outstanding and, frankly, it is good to know we are not in this alone. I will recommend this book as an excellent source for other parents, teachers, and administrators.” -- Cheryl Kravitz, parent
“Families and parents know the relationship of reading to their children’s academic and long-term success. Many, however, are unfamiliar with the nuances of evaluating how well reading is taught in their children’s schools. The contributors have made a significant contribution to the tools parents have available to support their children’s reading instruction. Why Kids Can’t Read articulates the challenges parents face with practical solutions and advice on effectively interacting with schools and teachers to support student learning. Parents, teachers, and policymakers will appreciate the no-nonsense stance and strategic resources included in this book.” -- Brenda Lilienthal Welburn, executive director, National Association of State Boards of Education
“Parents and teachers working together can be an unstoppable force in solving our children’s reading problems. This book will guide all who want to strive for a nation of readers.” -- Robert Chase, past president of the National Education Association
Table of ContentsForeword - Carol Hampton Rasco Preface - Richard W. Riley Acknowledgments Introduction - Phyllis Blaunstein, Reid Lyon, and Patrick Riccards Part I: Beating the Odds 1 The Crisis in Our Classrooms - Phyllis Blaunstein, Reid Lyon, and Patrick Riccards 2 Armed With the Facts: The Science of Reading and Its Implications for Teaching - Sally E. Shaywitz, MD, and Bennett A. Shaywitz, MD 3 I Could Not Read Until I Was 30 Years Old - Diane Badgley Lyon 4 A Parent’s Journey - Teresa Ankney 5 A Parent’s Pressure Cooker - Norma Garza Part II: Changing the Odds 6 When a Whole State Fails to Measure Up: One Grandmother’s Fight - Marion Joseph 7 Pulling Back the Curtain: Successfully Working With the Media - Patrick Riccards 8 You Can Do It! How to Change Laws to Better Educate Children - Richard Long 9 Johnson Elementary School: A Transformed School - Benjamin T. Sayeski 10 The Last Word - Phyllis Blaunstein, Reid Lyon, and Patrick Riccards Appendixes A What Is Scientifically Based Reading Research? B How Do I Know a Good Early Reading Program When I See One? - Laura Bush C Advice to a Teacher of Beginning Reading - Sara M. Porter D Tools for Parents - Patrick Riccards E Common Core State Standards Glossary Resources References About the Contributors
