A major problem in the teaching of reading is to determine the scope or breadth of the curriculum--how broad to develop the objectives of instruction becomes paramount in curriculum development. Breadth of the curriculum may then be represented by points on a continuum with a wider scope on one end and narrowing down toward the other end. This…

It is upon a positive literature-based foundation that educators must build excellent curriculum and teaching strategies. It is the job of educators to be trained to integrate the concepts of whole language and direct phonetic instruction so children have the advantage of both schools of thought, to be aware of how children learn most efficiently,…

This study compared reading gains of low-socioeconomic status, at-risk kindergarten students within two curricula collaboratively written by classroom teachers and speech-language pathologists. Compared to the alphabet-based curriculum, the whole-language curriculum showed greater gains in the use of print to represent meaning and similar gains in…

The principal is the educational leader of the school and he or she needs to guide teachers in using quality learning opportunities for pupils to achieve objectives. The reading curriculum cuts across all curriculum areas and needs updating continuously to assist pupils to achieve as well as possible. In supervising reading instruction, there are…

Examines the history of California's reading program, reviewing its change to a literature-based approach and then back again to a phonetic- or skill-based one. Reviews key factors influencing California policy and speculates about the future of the state's reading program. (TB)

Shows that, despite the pendulum swings from the 1930s to the present, reading-achievement levels have remained constant, and one-third of children do not learn to read well. Argues that reading is a multidimensional activity, and that a massive effort is needed to implement multidimensional curricula that empower all children by providing them…