CHARLES BEAMS spoke of Approximated Spelling to DAN TRIPLETT on 10-20-96
The research branch of the American 
CB>Federation of Teachers and a distinguished group of scientists from 
CB>the northeast, as was reported in a number of articles I posted this 
CB>past summer, have determined that there is no credible evidence 
CB>supporting the superiority of whole language over more traditional 
CB>instructional processes.  Each of these groups analyzed much of the 
CB>research that you point to and determined that it was ill-conceived 
CB>and poorly conducted research. 
 Until I see something from an 
CB>unbiased source that contradicts this determination, I remain 
CB>unconvinced of the effectiveness of the whole language process.
No you wouldn't because I don't think you accept any source as unbiased.  
When you have seen evidence that contradicts the determination, you 
simply can call it "biased" and remain unconvinced.  Who are these 
"unbiased" and distinguished scientists and what research did they 
"analyze?"  
I'd like to see this AFT info for myself.  I don't believe they were 
referring to Brian Cambourne's work or that of Routman or Graves, or 
Goodman, or Calkins, or Clay, or Fisher, or Harste, or some of the many 
others I have mentioned.  Who specifically did they mention?  It is my 
guess that you are not immediately familiar with these names or with the 
specific research the AFT poo-pooed.  After all Chuck, I downloaded from 
AFT's own site on AOL some specific information that *supported* what I 
have been saying.  I don't remember you commenting on it though.  It is 
easy for you to say the AFT "experts" (who appointed them such??) 
determined that "all?" the research conducted by early childhood 
researchers was ill-conceived and poorly conducted.  Prove it.  Show me 
some facts.  The people I have mentioned are *it* as far as significant 
contributors to early childhood learning theory and classroom practices 
go.  Every early childhood book I have ever seen cites their work!  
These folks are at the forefront of all early childhood practices.  When 
a student goes to college, either undergraduate school or graduate 
school, and learns anything about early childhood education these are 
the people whose ideas they learn about!  I think you have your facts 
all mixed up. If you still have the info you posted this past summer, 
send it to dtriplett@juno.com.  I'd like to see it for myself. 
  The time for debate is over and the time 
CB>for real research on the best techniques to use to teach children to 
CB>read is upon us.
Ok..fair enough...show us this real research and please provide me with 
the names of some of the researchers who have done research in early 
learning theories.  Surely the AFT must have something you can get your 
hand on .
Dan Trilett
dtriplett@juno.com
Http://www.wholelanguage.com
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