This paper analyzes whole language and code-based skills approaches in early literacy and the specific patterns of interaction present in both approaches. Nineteen hours of video data were coded to analyze the nature of whole language versus code-based skills instruction and document the allocation of time spent on each approach in a reading…

The problem investigated by this study was whether teachers of kindergarten through second grade feel themselves to be effective literacy teachers and if they do not feel effective, to find out whether their agreement or disagreement with the literacy methodologies required by the school was a factor. The mixed methods approach to this study…

The Whole Language/Phonics debate has been raging in California since the 1980s. However, there has been no real determination about which method is best for teaching reading to our students. Yet the Whole Language method has lost the recognition and respect of the educational community because the program was not implemented by all teachers the…

Presents an in-depth interview with Ken and Yetta Goodman, awarded the second National Council of Teachers of English award for outstanding educator in the language arts. (SR)

Presents an interview with Donna Wiseman. Discusses current programs and activities of whole language, criticism of leaders in whole language for being above any question or criticism, the existing research base for whole language, and the future of the whole-language movement. (RS)

Presents an interview with Carole Edelsky in which she discusses the political issues that affect the day-to-day lives of children and teachers in the language arts classroom; political aspects of whole language; national political issues and literacy; and political actions teachers can take to improve language arts education. (RS)

In Turkey, the Ministry of National Education (MONE) changed the reading instruction method in elementary schools from whole language approach to phonics emphasis in 2005. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of phonics method on reading acquisition in a Turkish sample; to understand what elementary school teachers…

Contains an interview with Patricia MacLachlan, former teacher and author of the award-winning novel "Sarah, Plain and Tall" about her views on the latest trends in teaching reading and writing to children. (TB)

This report of qualitative findings, gathered from four sources, presents guidelines to promote implementation of whole language. The report uses Donald Ely's (1990) conditions for change as a framework. These conditions are: dissatisfaction with the status quo, the existence of knowledge and skills, availability of time and resources,…

Interviews a group of New York teachers to investigate the issues that teachers confront as they make the transition to whole language and attempt to sustain it. Discusses the amount of work involved in whole language instruction; relations with other faculty members, administrators, and parents; organization of instruction; defining whole…

Interviews Regie Routman, well-known advocate of whole-language instruction, about her new book, "Literacy at the Crossroads," in which she presents a clear response to critics of whole language and of education in general. Urges teachers to participate in professional development and communicate their professional knowledge about good teaching…

For the two past two decades, a child-centered view and integration of curriculum have become critical to developing literacy. Also, the emphasis on the importance of the teacher's role in teaching literacy has increased. Thus, teachers have been provided with the opportunity to reflect on their beliefs about children literacy and to increase…

Interviews Marilyn Jager Adams about her book "Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning about Print." Discusses the critical issues of phonics versus whole language and what she hopes teachers will gain from the book. (MG)

This study examined reading instruction and grouping practices for students with learning disabilities through interviews with 14 special education teachers and observations of their resource room instruction. Teachers primarily provided whole group reading instruction and little differentiated instruction or materials despite the wide range of…

A study focused on families whose children were successful but not exceptional students in kindergarten. Subjects were eight parents (all mothers) whose children had been enrolled the previous year in a kindergarten program that maintained a whole language curricular orientation. The children (four girls and four boys) were highly successful in…