End of the reading wars

In the past seven years, a new view of reading instruction has taken hold in school districts nationwide. The issue these days isn't whether “phonics” or “whole language” is the better approach for beginning readers, but how to blend those philosophies and other elements in a reading program tailored to the individual child. Cathy H. Roller, director of research and policy for the International Reading Association, said students must have “the right things in the right amounts at the right time. Some kids need direct instruction in phonics. Other kids come to kindergarten reading fluently in a second- and third-grade text.” Read more of this article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.