Welcome all to the new quarter that begins in a new year, 2010. Wishing you a very prosperous New Year!
I've been following the debate on englishcompanion/ning over the Learn Act. Senator Murray in our neighboring state of Washington has been eliciting opinions on this new legislation. Writers and thinkers like Stephen Krashan have really been fighting NCTE on their stand on supporting this Act claiming that it is more of the same as NCLB,'The former President of NCTE Kaylene Beers who contributed to its development believe it is an improvment recognizing the differences in Teachers' views. Our own Joan Yatvin, also an NCTE president, feels that it is a disgrace to the National Council of Teachers of English.
I'll be interested to see what students this term think of this act and how it plays out in what they are asked to do in the name of literacy.
If teachers are asked to teach a highly scripted program of literacy will this be in accord with the legislation. For teachers who believe that students deserve a balanced reading/literacy program how will this play in their interests?
After the ups and downs of NCLB, I think we all need to be aware of the arguments and have our voices heard.
A little politicking is in order.
By the way I saw Avatar in Spanish since I was in Mexico at the time. Even though it was in Spanish, it was fairly obvious to see the political message on military might and the preservation of culture and respect for different people—even when they are 12 feet tall and blue. It is also a bid for protecting the environment even when it is on a planet called Pandora. Besides that it is a novel technological wonder and quite ethereal in parts. As you can see I believe it is well worth seeing even when the actors speak Spanish with no subtitles. Although I want to see it again in English. Good night! I'm looking forward to the quarter. Carrol
Sunday, January 03, 2010
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