-tictech message:
Hi All,
Last weekend I had the pleasure of presenting as part of a preconvention
institute of the IRA (International Reading Association) national convention
in San Francisco. It was an honor to be surrounded by such innovative
educators. The title was "New Literacies for New Times: IRA's Miss Rumphius
Award Winners Share Innovative Models of Literacy Education Using the
Internet" Very exciting and stimulating discussions! A snapshot of the
institute can be found at http://teachers.pps.k12.or.us/ira2002/
One of the comments I found most disturbing was delivered by Don Leu,
organizer of the institute. He mentioned that of all the states who
administer state assessments that measure writing, not ONE allows word
processors to be used (unless the student is sp ed, bilingual, etc). This
includes our beloved WASL, of course. These prohibitions are set at the
state level. Unbelievable.
I mentioned that in my district, which has its own additional writing
assessment (DWA), students could use word processors, but could NOT use
spell check. My third graders had to haul these 4 lb. foreign objects
(dictionaries) over to their computers for this three day test. Jaws
dropped, and heads shook. Now, I realize I was in the company of innovators
and those eager to learn. But many there also had advanced degrees in
common sense :)
I have been told that Seattle's stance on word processors is "set" by OSPI.
And, apparently OSPI is just going along with the other 49 states who don't
allow word processors. Naturally, I'm confused that Seattle WILL allow word
processors on the DWA, but NOT spell check. Oh, and by the way,
dictionaries and electronic spell check devices (remember the old Franklin
Spelling Ace?) ARE allowed. Gee wiz - how about the "auto-complete" feature
in Word? Nobody mentioned that one. Somebody please tell me how this
nonsense aligns with the state position on word processors.
As far as I'm concerned, all 50 states need to wake up and smell the coffee.
Our students are being left in the dust. While states continue to demand
the right to set their own (outdated and repressive) literacy policies, many
countries are quickly outpacing the US, placing the literacy of their
students as the highest priority, working together at an enlightened,
national level.
If you are interested in integrating technology in your literacy program, I
strongly urge you to visit The Literacy Web at the University of
Connecticut. (http://www.literacy.uconn.edu/). This is one of those times
(in addition to the basketball season) when I'm proud to say I'm an alum.
Feel free to pass on this message, especially to administrators and policy
makers. Enjoy the rest of the school year! - Mark
Mark Ahlness
mlahlness@seattleschools.org
Arbor Heights Elementary School
http://www.halcyon.com/arborhts/
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