The Literacy Crisis False Claims Real Solutions

by Jeff McQuillan

Grades K - 5 Jeff McQuillan has hopeful news for anyone concerned with the state of reading in U.S. Contrary to popular belief, reading achievement has not been declining over the past three decades; U.S. students are not among the worst readers in the world; there is no epidemic of "reading disabilities"; and holistic, progressive approaches to literacy education have not been a wholesale failure. What's more, children are reading at the same or better level than they did a generation ago. These are not idle claims but facts that the author supports with statistical evidence–all clearly and accessibly presented. The real problem, according to McQuillan, is a simple lack of books. While educators are engaged in the "Great Debate" over whole language or phonics-based approaches, our schools and libraries have been poorly and inequitably supplied. "While instruction can profoundly influence children and their approach to reading," says McQuillan, "the best way to explain large-scale differences in reading achievement is first to focus on the access to reading materials." Offering a thorough explanation of the key variables in learning how to read, McQuillan identifies those elements that have the greatest impact. His lucid explanation of the Goodman/Smith reading model is complemented by a point-by-point refutation of the current pro-phonics/skills arguments that have swept schools and statehouses across the country. Who will benefit from this book? Teachers seeking new perspective on the "reading wars." Administrators struggling to balance curriculum needs with the demand for standardized achievement tests. Parents concerned about the quality of education. In short, anyone concerned with the state of reading in America owes it to themselves–and our children–to investigate The Literacy Crisis .

109 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 1998

Reviews

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short, well written book debunking the phonics and systematic instruction myths of reading. Might be a bit dense on the research methods and details for the lay reader.

[Ashley Applegate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Jeff McQuillan is a researcher and educator who has resisted reading mandates, politicization, and commercialization. He has published widely in the areas of literacy development, first and second language acquisition, and bilingualism. He has been a professor of applied linguistics at California State University, Fullerton and Arizona State University. Currently he is an Assistant Professor of Education at California State University, Fullerton. In his book, The Literacy Crisis: False Claims, Real Solutions, he discusses the real crisis of literacy instruction in U.S. schools. Contrary to popular belief, reading achievement in the U.S. has not declined in the past twenty-five years. McQuillan presented the pitfalls of reading programs that focus on instruction versus access in helping struggling readers by providing access to reading materials. While politicians are debating over whole language and phonics-based approaches, U.S. schools have been poorly shelved with low quality books. Standardized tests have placed a huge emphasis on pro-phonics and skills. As a result, administrators struggle to balance curriculum with the demand for standardized achievement tests.

[TLBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book that tells it like it is based on research, rather political posturing, this is a must-read. McQuillan looks at prevalent myths that drive how teachers, parents, and policy-makers think and make decisions about literacy, and shows that the real problem is a paucity of books. This well-research, well-reasoned, and well-written book answered a lot of questions I had about why reading and writing is being taught using current methods and how we can improve what we are doing for our kids.