Individual Student
Learning/Achievement for less money-How do we get there?
• Provide teachers the tools to instruct children how to read with the proven,
effective method-phonics and direct instruction.
• Teach children to read between the ages of 4-6.
Do not prolong teaching reading nor dilute teaching this essential skill by adding
confusing, ineffective strategies (As outlined in Why Johnny Can’t Read,
Why Johnny STILL Can’t Read, the Oregonian article
of 12-14-05 or see the results of phonics and DI at www.arthuracademy.com).
• Allow learning to take place (continuous progress).
Utilizing effectively trained staff and appropriate research-based curriculum,
allow students to move to the next level when they have proven to master the current
level of material. Offer rigorous, challenging curriculum to all students.
• Hold the people on the payroll and programs accountable utilizing value-added
assessment (individual student growth year to year). Accountability tools are:
merit pay/retraining/reassignment, accreditation, certification, and elimination.
The above initiatives would require
the current system to change. The current system is designed to meet the needs
of the system.