-> Based on the articles I was able to collect, it appeared that the
-> state of California did a significant amount of research into the
-> nature of Whole Language.
Hmm. Well, the State may have done a good deal of research, but I have
had the impression in the past, that the amount of inservice teachers
received was very small.
-> I would guess that what is being promoted as WL in California is much
-> closer to the real intent of the philosophy than what Dan is
-> promoting.  But that's just a guess.
I guess. I'd have to go back and read the works of the originators of
the philosophy in order to figure that one out. It bothers me that Donna
Randsell, who teaches (subs?) in San Diego says that they are still not
allowed to use any phonics. The public school in Diamond Bar, CA that my
two children attend does use some phonics instruction. It seems sensible
to me. I had heard that the State had recanted their prohibition of
phonics in California public schools and was allowing some phonics
instruction, and other traditional techniques, where needed as a
supplement to the program.
-> I'd say my position is, if a teacher is using phonics and word-attack
-> skills as a primary means of instruction (not just when a student is
-> totally lost), then they are not following whole language practices.
Of course, such a teacher would not be following the Whole Language
philosophy.
Sheila
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