Dr. Richard Allington

Wow! Dr. Allington is a very open and straight to the point speaker. He had very strong opinions and expressed his feelings with honesty. He does not believe that a program can actually improve reading. He encourages teachers to teach with all they have learned and to not rely on the use of a step by step program. Dr. Allington told us that very few reading programs actually have accurate research to prove they are successful. He stated that there are 6 things that every child should do everyday to become a better reader...

Every child reads something he or she chooses - Allow students to choose books that they like AND can read. This is in addition to books that are selected by their teacher.

Every child reads accurately - Many schools have increased the time spent on ELA but increased time doesn't mean that students are allowed to read books where they can be successful (98% accuracy or better). Students need to spend time reading texts that are not too challenging. Reading books where they can be successful increase the likelihood that they will become better readers.

Every child reads something he or she understands - Allington and Gabriel say that, "Understanding what you've read is the goal of reading. But too often, struggling readers get interventions that focus on basic skills in isolation, rather than on reading connected text for meaning."

Every child writes about something personally meaningful - Most times students are asked to continue sentences after a teacher prompt. Allow students to pick the topic and write about it. Yes, there are students who will struggle finding topics which is why it is important for teachers to brainstorm with their students.

Every child talks with peers about reading and writing - Provide students time to talk with one another about their reading and writing.

Every child listens to a fluent adult read aloud - Listening to an adult who reads fluently increases students' own fluency.