Monday, December 10, 2007
4th Graders Losing Ground on Literacy
The article I read is about the 4th grade literacy level decreasing in the United States, compared to other countries. The entire article shows which countries have surpassed us, as well as where are 4th grade literacy level use to be at. However, the article does not ask why this decline in literacy is taking place. I think that everyone forgets to ask this question, and this is one of the biggest reasons illiteracy isn't being taken care of. If we can figure out why there is such a decline in the 4th grade literacy level, then maybe we can solve the problem. Everyone is so concerned with which countries are doing better that they forget what's really important, which is the students that aren't making the grade. It seems so simple to me that the best way to improve the literacy of 4th graders, is by figuring out the problem, and fixing it. Maybe teachers need to ask their students why they are struggling with reading, opposed to just ignoring the fact that there is a problem. Stop looking so hard at the numbers and look more at why there is a problem.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I think the problem cocerns accoutability. Who exactly do we blame? The teachers, for not educating the fourth graders? The administration, for standardizing the crap out of schooling and leaving students, the most important thing, behind? Or do we (gasp) blame the fourth graders? I wont try and address the issue with American classrooms in general or lay the blame on any group in particular, but it should be stated that It is a collective deal. It may very well be that our fourth graders are tested more rigorously, but if fourth graders aren't making the grade it is an amalgamation of things. I agree though, it is sad how even this has turned into an international competing ground.
Post a Comment