Discussion Anchor: Benjamin, Danny, Eugene, Hak, and Monika

In his writing “What Really Matters When Working with Struggling Readers,” Richard L. Allington argues that most public schools are wasting precious resources that could be used for helping struggling young readers. He makes a number of points about how entrepreneurial spirit undermines the research-proven methods to have negative effect on students’ reading proficiencies. He also mentions other factors such as not having expert teachers, students being asked to read too difficult texts, students spending too much time on independent reading, and students doing ineffective worksheets that hinder students from being proficient in reading. In addition, Allington also discusses about possible ways to draw necessary funding – by eliminating workbooks, test preps, paraprofessionals from instructional roles, and expenditures for computer-based reading programs – which then can be used to help students be better readers. Do you think his argument is convincing? If you were in a position of power to make decisions, would you completely apply the suggestions that Allington makes? What are possible reasons why many educators are so convinced by the suggested outcome of the entrepreneurial reading products, contrary to the current educational research?