Literacy at the Crossroads: Crucial Talk About Reading, Writing, and Other Teaching Dilemmas

From ill-informed politicians, parents, and news reporters, the message is clear: whole language is to blame for illiteracy, declining test scores, and poor spelling and grammar skills. But is whole language - when accurately understood and practiced - truly at fault? Shouldn't we first question the ways in which teachers are trained, students are assessed, educators and parents are communicating, and funds are allocated?

Literacy at the Crossroads takes a hard look at these issues. By informing teachers about what's really happening in our schools, Routman opens up the educational dialogue and disproves some of the misconceptions that threaten good practice. She describes and clarifies critical concerns, suggesting actions we must take so that, in her words, "we can continue to do what's right and best for children."

True, there are problems with schools in America - but, according to Routman, back-to-basics instruction is not the solution. What's needed are teachers who are clear about their goals and outspoken about their beliefs. Here is a book that shows them how.