[CALIBK12] a comment on Read 180

[Stephen Krashen]

If you look at the material coming from Scholastic,
Read 180 looks great. They present study after study
in which Read 180 students improve on test scores and
outdo comparison students. 

BUT: Read 180 is essentially a combination of direct
teaching of skills and extensive reading of
interesting books. There is a huge amount of research
showing that extensive reading works. The research
also shows that direct teaching of skills has a very
limited impact, affecting tests of skills, but having
little impact on tests of reading comprehension.

In other words: What I think really counts in Read 180
is the extensive reading part. 
It would be no surprise that Read 180 does better than
comparison groups that don’t do extensive reading.  

The most cost-effective path is thus to make sure a
great deal of interesting reading material is
available: Read 180 only provides a modest book
collection. It is not cost-effective of use an
expensive scripted program such as Read 180 when so
much of it is does not contribute to reading
achievement.

I will be happy to provide details on any of these
points.

--- Barbara Wymer <bawymer at cox.net> wrote:

> Please excuse the fact that I am posting this
> message again, but I neglected to include a subject
> line the first time and maybe I will get more
> responses if I send it out again:
> The Sweetwater Union High school district is
> discussing budget cuts. Most 
> California school districts are doing the same
> thing.   A reduction in library 
> services is on the Sweetwater list along with other
> possible cuts to counseling,  school nursing,
> assistant principals, security personnel and
> clerical services. 
> What is curious about our budget process, however,
> is that the district wants to 
> spend 1.6 million dollars for Read 180.  The
> librarians have never been told 
> about this program so we need more information from
> you, if possible.  Is this a miracle reading program
> that would be worth reducing site personnel?  Any 
> information you can provide would be appreciated -
> Barbara 
>  
> 
> 
> 
> Barbara Wymer
> LMT  Bonita Vista Middle School
> 650 Otay Lakes Rd.
> Chula Vista, CA  91910
> 
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