Dr. Joseph Torgesen Presents- "Teaching all students to read: Is it really possible?"

11/10/2010 9:59:35 AM #

That was a great presentation! One thing that was interesting to me was the emphasis that Dr. Torgesen put on having principals be responsible for reading results for their school. And although it seems intuitive, it was also interesting that his findings have found that the number one thing to improve is the amount of time put into instruction.

Carol

11/10/2010 10:04:21 AM #

I also thought the emphasis he put on increasing the time spent on instruction interesting. I liked when he said that the first thing to ask should be: how can we increase the amount of time we are spending on instruction for struggling students?

Susan

11/11/2010 5:20:27 AM #

Really interesting presentation and great to see 10 years of research documented.   I am interested whether any visual learning techniques were used with the youngsters or whether it was all phonic based. My experience is that adding visualual learning skills can speed up the process dramatically

Olive Hickmott

11/11/2010 5:40:59 AM #

I too enjoyed the ten year study done in Washington. My thoughts were I wonder what resistance the principal found with his teachers when stating they were going to devote so much time to this new program. I know any change in my school and the teachers go nuts. I would love to implement some new strategies, however, I don't know how they would be received!

Borec

11/11/2010 7:13:58 AM #

Dr. Torgesen has given us some solid information.  It is very informative to know the ratio of time spent in focused, quality instruction to significant reading gains.  It is a hard sell to get all the pieces in place for reading instruction that works for struggling students.  Is the analogy of putting together a Super Bowl football team one that works?  All the key players must be on board with all the right techniques and dedicated time to practice them.  The Washington study might help convince a few more players to commit to what is necessary to make reading instruction work.  I am planning on using it to recruit the dream team in my school! Thanks!

Karen Lehner