Reading for teachers

By Staff
Jan. 21, 2004
The state Board of Education is considering upping the standards for reading teachers who teach children in kindergarten through third grade. The board, which sets minimum education standards for public school teachers, is giving thought to requiring 15 credit hours up from the current six in reading-specific courses, perhaps placing special emphasis on a proven teaching technique based on phonics.
Claiborne Barksdale, who heads the Barksdale Reading Institute, told the board most first-year teachers aren't prepared to teach phonics, which he said research has shown to be an important tool for teaching reading. Proposed teacher education standards would incorporate phonics into the curriculum; or, the board could require that reading teachers also complete a course in phonics.
The Barksdale Reading Institute, created by the generosity of Netscape founder Jim Barksdale and his late wife, is proving to be one of this state's greatest educational assets. It has been the source of many new ideas in teaching Mississippi school children to read.
To be sure, it is a longterm effort; changes in Mississippi's educational system do not come easily. But some educators believe Mississippi could become a national model if it enacts the changes and gives universities the flexibility to best meet the needs of their students.
Evidence suggests that phonics instruction is a critical component of reading education, especially for economically disadvantaged children. Upping the standards seems to be the next logical next step in better preparing teachers for the modern classroom.
We encourage the state Board of Education to make this constructive change as soon as possible.