( Assistant to the Superintendent for K-6
Curriculum and Instruction )
Greg Taranto
( Assistant to the Superintendent for K-6
Curriculum and Instruction )
Featured on Edutopia for His Publication
In the article “ The School Leader ’ s Role in Reading Instruction ,” published on Edutopia , Greg Taranto shares his insights on improving reading instruction in schools . Edutopia serves as a hub for educators seeking inspiration and guidance on implementing researchbased strategies to improve student learning . It covers a wide array of topics , from classroom management to integrating technology , all aimed at fostering an engaging and effective learning environment .
Greg Taranto , with a background as a former middle school principal and current assistant to the superintendent for K – 6 curriculum and instruction , dives into the critical role school leaders play in literacy education . His article sheds light on the challenges students encounter in reading comprehension and critiques the prevalent yet flawed " balanced literacy " approach . Through his exploration , Taranto advocates for structured literacy , an evidence-based methodology proven to significantly improve reading and writing proficiency .
Structured literacy , as Taranto explains , focuses on phonemic awareness and phonological skills as its cornerstone . This approach is especially beneficial for children who have either missed early literacy opportunities or have struggled with reading and writing . By explicitly teaching these foundational skills , students are better prepared to tackle more complex reading and writing tasks .
Moreover , Taranto discusses the importance of knowledge-building within the literacy curriculum . He argues that reading should not only be about decoding text but also a means to acquire knowledge , thereby making the case for integrating content that expands students ’ understanding of the world .
Taranto explains the critical role of administrators in the development of programs like this one by emphasizing the need to support teachers by providing access to high-quality curricula and training . Additionally , he highlights the necessity of dedicating specific blocks in the school schedule exclusively to literacy , showcasing its importance in educational settings . This structured approach , coupled with a comprehensive curriculum that includes all components of Scarborough ’ s Reading Rope , can significantly enhance student outcomes .
Transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn is another critical shift Taranto addresses . Starting in the third grade , the focus should increasingly be on using text as a primary source of information . This shift enriches vocabulary and fosters a deeper understanding of various concepts .
Greg Taranto ’ s contribution to Edutopia and insights not only serve as a guide for improving reading instruction but also as a call to action for administrators to lead the charge in creating a literate , informed and empowered future generation . anon-Mac CANON-MAC SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
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