-> Again, Whole Language is a theory or a "perspective" of literacy
-> development and is not a "process" or a "program."  People who
-> describe it the way you are suggesting don't really understand what
-> Whole Language really is.
Why don't you explain it, then. I would be glad to hear more about it.
I think there is a big problem in education where there are "in" terms
that are used, but it may be the case that two different educators mean
two very different things even while using the same term (certainly
"whole language" is one example, so is "outcome based education" and, in
math, "compatible with the NCTM standards" is another!).
One problem, AFAIK with the "whole language" movement, is that some
teachers who thought they were implementing it, felt that it was the
"exclusive" method to use in the classroom and incompatible with phonics
or any other reading methods. A balance of methods is probably in the
best interest of the students (supports multiple learning modalities).
-> I wonder how many other important "factors" contributed to this
-> decline. One factor that comes to mind is the confusion over what
-> Whole Language really is all about.  I would guess that in addition
-> to the 165 reading methods that were out there, many teachers simply
-> applied "reading methods" there were familiar with and called it
-> whole language.  I think it is a leap to suggest that Whole Language
-> is the culprit.
There are probably many contributing factors, not the least of which is
that we have a larger percentage of LEP students in the classroom today
than in previous times. This alone would contribute (I would imagine) to
declining reading scores.
You are a kindergarten teacher, right? Do you teach reading? Do you just
do "reading readiness" activities? I would assume you are
certified/qualified to teach reading at any elementary level, according
to your teaching certificate. Maybe you could enlighten those of us who
are not really reading teachers.
-> I believe that literature-based instruction will continue to flourish
-> in those districts where Whole Language is correctly understood.
I am pleased to see the teachers at my children's public school using
literature based instruction. Is this all that you mean by "Whole
Language"? Why have two different terms to denote the same thing?
Sheila
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