In essence, I agree 100% with letting students choose what they read over the
summer. That would be lovely if more than one or two would read
something...anything...over the summer!
What about the kids who don't like to read? And students without library cards, or
transportation to the library? Students in homes with no reading material? We are
a failing school with 80% of our students below competency. Many of our students
claim they haven't read a book since elementary school. We offered prizes last year
for anyone who read a book voluntarily over the summer and had less than 50
participate (out of 1900+). Very few of our students even have a public library
card. We had a parent meeting last night...600 letters went home with our lowest
students, had to be signed and returned...only 5 parents showed.
But without reading in the summer, students backslide. The National Council for
English Teachers and High Schools that Work organizations recommend HS students
read 20 - 25 books per year. HS students on the basketball team and the dance team
are required to practice over the summer. When are we going to hold them
accountable for their own education?
I am in total agreeance that they need to be able to choose....which explains my
idea for letting students choose any 2 books from our 13,000 SRC quiz list. Our
incoming principal wants to limit the choices to a few literary selections so they
don't just test on something they read last year. (SRC will be used as a tool for
accountability).
Cayla Armatti
Library Media Specialist
Lake Weir High School
Ocala, Florida
(352) 671-4820, or 5-8971
cayla.armatti@marion.k12.fl.us
"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people
who think decorating consists mostly
of building enough bookshelves."
(Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991
Submitted by D.F. of New York)
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