|
|
How many sets of the 2010-2011 Young Hoosier Book Award books should we have available for our students? We contacted ten middle school librarians and found that the average for 2009-2010 was six sets. Some purchase additional copies of titles that are available in paperback.
I am a reading teacher and want to learn more about middle grades reading. Do you have any suggestions? If you are working on a Master’s Degree, you could focus on reading. Many college courses are available including assessment, diagnosis of reading difficulties, clinical practice, and scientifically based reading instruction. Some school corporations arrange for frequent meetings of middle grades reading teachers where they can exchange ideas. The Indiana State Reading Association has local councils and an annual conference with many speakers and topics. The International Reading Association has an annual conference and excellent reading publications. This year’s conference is in Chicago.
Our school Web site does not contain any information that promotes reading. What should be on our Web site? Some areas that are included on Web sites of middle grades schools include the list of Young Hoosier Book Award books, suggestions for summer reading, a link to the public library, school-wide reading incentive programs, and suggestions for parents. Others have specific information for school libraries and reading teachers.
All of our students are enrolled in language arts classes. Why do you recommend reading classes for all middle grades students? When Indiana schools were mainly K-8 schools, most fifth through eighth grade students had a period for reading and a period for English. Many Indiana schools combined reading and English into one period, thus reducing time for reading and for writing while also eliminating reading teachers. Middle grades students have a wide range of reading abilities, so time and expertise are needed to provide appropriate reading instruction for all students.
We once had a reading council in our area. How can we reinstate our reading council?
A reading council provides opportunities for middle grades reading teachers to interact with reading teachers from other schools and grade levels. Contact Libby Turner, IRA state coordinator for Indiana, at <libby_turner@yahoo.com>. She will provide the information you need to form a new council.
There is no plan for reading in our school. Do you have any suggestions on how to develop a plan?
Middle grades schools have many concerns in addition to reading, so it is hard to concentrate on any one area. An assessment is needed before writing a plan. One way to start is to use the Middle Grades Reading Assessment, available to all Indiana middle grades schools at no cost. Contact <jh25@evansville.edu> and request the number of copies needed. The information found in the assessment naturally leads to a reading plan.
I have a reading license but have little experience giving individual reading tests. Where should I start?
With a reading license, you have the necessary background to delve deeper into reading issues. As you work on a reading specialist license, you will have some latitude in the courses you need. Be sure to work in tests and measurement courses that will give you an opportunity to test individual children using a variety of instruments. The Handbook of Literacy Assessment and Evaluation by Bill Harp published by Christopher -Gordon Publishers, Inc. gives information about various individual reading tests.
How can I promote the Young Hoosier Book Award in my classroom?
The main purpose of the Young Hoosier Book Award is to increase independent reading. Display wall charts for each with the names of the current books and names of students. Students will be interested in what other students are reading, and this knowledge will motivate them to read the books. Charts cost $2.00 each and are available from the Indiana Library Federation at <http://www.ilfonline.org/AIME/YHBA/YHBApromotional.htm>.
I want to share some articles from NetWords with other middle grades reading teachers. May I obtain copies by email so that I can pass them on?
All articles from present and past NetWords are availableon the Middle Grades Reading Network Web site. The Web site address is <http://mgrn.evansville.edu>. The current edition is featured. Some articles are listed as featured articles. Most can be found under “over 200 articles.”
Where can I obtain a reading license?
We have more new sixth graders than in the past with low reading scores coming to the school next fall. What do you recommend?
Visit the seven Indiana universities with middle grades reading materials collections <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/cc.htm> to find appropriate materials for the many reading levels of the students. Change schedules to add reading classes and reading teachers. Add high interest/low readability books to the school library collection <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/5fall2005.htm>. Use the Middle Grades Reading Assessment available from the Middle Grades Reading Network to assess how well the school is building a community of readers.
Our school library circulation is down. How can we reverse this?
Add new books. The Indiana University Center for Evaluation and Education Policy report <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/Library%20Report%202006.pdf> provides clear proof that students read books that are current, appealing, high-interest, and useful. Schools should purchase two new books per student per year.
We can hire reading teachers, but none are available. What do you suggest?
Work with one of the 19 Indiana colleges and universities that have approved programs leading to reading licenses <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/approvedprograms.htm>. Ask the college or university to assign student teachers working on middle grades reading licenses to your school. Hire those who fit into your program.
How do we get a Teachers Under Cover group started?
Find out who is interested. Work with some of them to set up a date and location for the first meeting. Check the local public library to see if proposed titles are available. Contact the local Barnes and Noble bookstore for assistance <http://mgrn.evansville.edu/contact.htm>. For more information, see <http://mgrn.evansville .edu/readingfaculty.htm>.
We have a great public library, but they tell us few of our students use it. How can we get our students interested in using their public library?
Invite a public librarian to the school to present information about public library resources for middle grades students. Plan a field trip to the nearest public library. Show students how to use the public library Web site. Find out how students can obtain a public library card, and then help them get their own cards.
I have heard that the Middle Grades Reading Network has a monthly electronic Update. How can I receive the Update?
Send your name and email address to jh25@evansville.edu, and you, along with thousands of other Hoosiers, will receive the monthly Update.
Why should we be involved with newspapers in our classrooms?
Many students do not have access to newspapers in their homes and will need help in becoming familiar with various parts of the newspaper. Others may ignore reading the newspaper, choosing instead to spend time on less helpful activities. When we engage young adolescents with newspapers, we help them develop a habit of daily reading of the newspapera practice that increases vocabulary; provides information about local, state, national, and international news; and promotes vitality in reading by providing a daily variety of subject matter.
Where can I find a review of the Young Hoosier Book Award nominees, Read-Aloud Books Too Good To Miss, and other books for middle grades students?
The Barnes and Noble Web site provides reviews from sources such as Publishers Weekly, VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates), and the School Library Journal. The Web address is
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bookstore.asp?userid=6BKNI1AHWN.
What Indiana colleges and universities offer the reading specialist license?
The Indiana Professional Standards Board approves programs that lead to the new reading specialist license. Teachers can contact the following Indiana colleges and universities that have had their programs for the reading specialist license approved: Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University South Bend, and Purdue University.
Do most Indiana middle grades students use their public libraries?
Only 50 percent of Indiana residents have a public library card, so it is likely that many of the state’s young adolescents do not have one. It pays off in reading achievement when students practice their reading, and public libraries make books, magazines, and newspapers available also on weekends and during the summer. Ask your students to show their public library cards, and see how many can do this. Visit the nearest public library to the school, and ask the librarian about their young adolescent reading program. Then do something to improve independent reading by connecting your students with their public library; for example, arrange a visit to the public library, work with the public library to sign up students for library cards, and encourage parents and their children to use their public library.
We can’t offer reading courses 0480-06, 0480-07, or 0480-08, because none of our teachers have reading licenses. What do we have to do to get a reading license?
Contact the college or university of your choice concerning an evaluation of what you will need to obtain a reading license. The 17 colleges and universities that have programs approved by the Indiana Professional Standards Board for the Early Adolescence Reading License are Ball State University, Indiana State University, Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana University Northwest, Indiana University East, Indiana University Kokomo, Indiana University Southeast, IUPU Fort Wayne, IUPUI, Oakland City University, Purdue University, Purdue University Calumet, Saint Joseph’s College, Saint Mary’s College, University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, and Valparaiso University.
We have never had separate reading classes in our middle school. How many schools offer reading classes? Where do they find the time for reading classes?
Indiana had 230,188 students enrolled in Grades 6-8 during the 2001-2002 school year. The state reported that 53,268, or 23 percent, of 6-8 students were enrolled in reading classes. Reading teachers assigned to middle level reading courses 0480-06, 0480-07, 0480-08 must have a reading endorsement, a reading specialist license, or the new young adolescent reading license. One way to learn how to find time for reading classes is to contact schools that have done this. A list of Indiana middle grades schools that offer reading courses can be found at </enrollment2002.htm.> Schedules from some of these schools are available by contacting the Middle Grades Reading Network.
What is the difference between language arts and reading courses for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students?
The Indiana Department of Education’s Course and Program Descriptions for Indiana Schools describes the difference. Reading instruction includes word recognition skills, vocabulary, comprehension, independent reading, and literature. Language arts includes writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.
What is the difference between the Association for Indiana Media Educators (AIME) and the Indiana Library Federation (ILF)?
ILF is the largest professional organization for Indiana librarians and library supporters. ILF is made up of five library associations. AIME is one of those associations.
Why don’t we have Title I reading in our middle school?
Many Indiana school corporations that once had Title I reading support for middle grades students decided to place emphasis on lower grades. This started several years ago, so middle grades schools should have few students needing special help, but of course this isn’t the case. Most middle grades reading teachers believe that support is needed at every level, not just in the primary grades. The middle grades are a special time when students needing additional reading help can work to prepare for the reading demands of high school. Another problem is the lack of licensed middle grades reading teachers. The new Early Adolescent Reading License will help alleviate this problem.
If we use reading class time for students to visit the school library to check out books, listen to booktalks, and so forth, will this result in higher reading scores?
Both direct reading instruction and independent reading influence reading achievement. Keith Lance of the Colorado State Library found in six states that strong school libraries help students to earn high scores on state reading tests when compared to school libraries that had lower levels of professional and total staffing, insufficient collections of print and electronic resources, and less funding. The important element of independent reading is that students are reading on their own beyond the school day, and students who are encouraged to read newspapers, books, and other print materials do so more than they would without teacher and librarian encouragement.
Why should we promote books written by Indiana authors?
Indiana can be proud of the large number of authors and illustrators who are lifelong Hoosiers as well as those who were born here but live elsewhere or who have moved to Indiana. Indiana is a state where reading is valued by citizens as evidenced by Indiana ranking second in the nation in the per capita circulation of public library books. Many Indiana authors frequently visit schools. Because we have so many Indiana authors, numerous books in the school library are written by Hoosiers. For the names of Indiana authors and illustrators, go to<http://www.statelib.lib.in.us.www/ldo/children/> to find the Directory of Indiana Children’s Authors and Illustrators edited by Sara Laughlin. Many school librarians place Hoosier Author spine labels on these books so that they can be featured and located with ease. Labels are available at no cost from the Middle Grades Reading Network.
When will new reading licenses be available?
Many college and university programs concerning the reading licenses have been approved by the Indiana Professional Standards Board. For information about programs that have been approved, go to <http:/www.in.gov/psb.licensing/apbyschool2002/>and click on a college or university, then find reading among the titles. Indiana middle grades schools indicated in a recent survey that over 200 licensed reading teachers are needed.
How can we best use newspapers?
The middle grades are an excellent time to offer a unit on using the newspaper. Most middle grades students are able to read newspapers, but they will benefit from direct instruction and practice on how to use various parts of the newspaper by systematically presenting each part of the newspaper to them. Copies should be available in school libraries and in homerooms during sustained silent reading. Many good ideas for using the newspaper are presented in the Newspaper in Education Week tabloid, available through Indiana State Reading Association membership or from local newspapers.
What materials do you recommend for improving comprehension?
Materials being used in middle grades reading classes around the state include Reading for Comprehension from Continental Press, Be a Better Reader from Globe Fearon, Signature Reading from Jamestown Education, Comprehension Plus from Modern Curriculum Press, Best Practices in Reading from Options, Strategies for Success in Reading from Steck-Vaughn, Reading Lab 3a from SRA, and McCall-Crabbs Standard Test Lessons in Reading from Teachers College Press. Catalogs from these publishers can probably be found in school catalog files. An opportunity to see these materials and to speak with publishers’ representatives will occur during the Indiana State Reading Association annual conference in Indianapolis on March 2-4, 2003.
What are the professional associations for middle grades reading teachers?
Local reading councils and the Indiana State Reading Association are affiliates of the International Reading Association. Indiana reading councils and the Indiana State Reading Association have joint membership. When you join a local reading council, you are automatically a member of the state group. Local reading councils provide opportunities for middle grades reading teachers to work with teachers from other grade levels, teachers from other schools, and higher education reading professors to promote reading throughout their communities. The Indiana State Reading Association provides publications and conferences. The International Reading Association is the national organization and has vast resources for middle grades reading teachers.
How do we know if our middle grades students are successful in high school?
Keep a record of names and reading scores of eighth graders. Check each year to see if these students have stayed in school. Compare reading scores of those who drop out of school to the scores of those who stay in school to determine the impact of reading ability on staying in high school. Use this information to provide appropriate reading instruction for students with similar backgrounds to those who have difficulty reading high school materials.
Should we encourage public librarians to promote their summer reading programs to our students?
Keep in mind that ISTEP occurs soon after the summer vacation. Students who read during the summer will perform better on ISTEP. Contact public librarians and invite them to promote their summer reading programs and help students obtain public library cards.
Why should we support the Young Hoosier Book Award Program?
The Young Hoosier Book Award Program is an Indiana system that promotes independent reading. The more students read independently, the better readers they become. Furthermore, acquiring good reading habits in the middle grades will make a positive impact on them throughout their lives. Reading teachers and school librarians should work closely together to ensure wide participation.
How can we maintain the Young Hoosier Book Award Program when funds are not available for books?
Decide on the number of sets of books you will need as well as the charts and other materials available from the Indiana Library Federation at http://www.ilfonline.org/Programs/YHBA/yhba.htm>. Determine the cost and work with your principal to seek a sponsor for the program. Sponsors might be local service clubs, such as Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, or Rotary; PTA; foundations; or local businesses such as Target. Create a bookplate to place in each book, and write the name of the sponsoring organization on the bookplate. Provide follow-up information to the group, such as the number of students involved. At the recognition event for students, include representatives from the sponsoring organization. Provide a follow-up report and/or presentation to the organization. Seek newspaper publicity that includes the sponsor.
Should we keep a record of the books we read?
Using a computer, it is not difficult to keep a record of titles and authors of books read, along with the date. You could use a rating system, for example, one * for the least favorite and star books you think are outstanding. Also, a little information about each book could be recorded. After a few years, you will appreciate the information that you have recorded after reading each book.
How can I obtain the new Early Adolescence Reading License?
Should we be concerned about the lack of funding for new school library books?
School libraries should add two books per student per year to keep collections current. For example, a school with 500 students should add 1000 new books each year. Check with your school librarian to find out the number of new books purchased during this school year. Without new books, reading achievement suffers. If your school library lacks new books, it is not only a school library problem; it is a reading problem.
How can our teachers be reading role models for our students?
Teachers are readers, so the problem is how to convey that information to students. Feature information about a teacher each month in the main display case. Favorite books, along with pictures and other materials concerning the teacher, will be of interest to students and help them understand the importance of reading. A large picture of the teacher reading a book would make an appropriate background for the display. Because the student population changes within a few years, this approach will work forever merely by updating and reusing the display of each teacher.