[NIFL-AALPD:1009] Taking a breath

From: Joshua Hayes (joshchayes@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Feb 13 2004 - 15:48:12 EST


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From: "Joshua Hayes" <joshchayes@hotmail.com>
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Subject: [NIFL-AALPD:1009] Taking a breath
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I love this list.  You guys, don't ever change.
I don't often submit posts, but I enjoy the livley discussion that usually 
thrives here.  I'd like to share my humble observation:
Several times, on this list and others, I've encountered Sweet's rhetoric.  
But that's what it is, rhetoric.  Research, of what ever methodology, 
requires evidence.  I don't think we can ever utilize comments from 
political appointees, whatever their persuasion, in the context of our 
discussions of researched-based practices.  Most people that quote Sweet are 
sales reps pushing e-learning solutions, phonics programs, etc.
Whatever our differences, I think we have to agee that an essential step in 
defining "scientifically researched based" reading instruction programs for 
adults would start with research and funding for the same.  Who is currently 
paying for this?  How does the available funding compare with other 
educational research?  I try as much as possible to read the posts with 
links to new research and articles.  But does anyone else get the feeling 
that this demand on researched based practices is like being sent into a 
flooded basement with an empty tool box?  I know lots of groups that have 
spent a fortune on "reserched -based learning modules" and the like before 
realizing that the "research" was conducted by the vendor.  I'd rather have 
a stack of testimonials from you folks anyday than Steck Vaughn's research 
report on their own product.
Finally I feel there is room for emotionally charged discussions on the 
list.  I mean, we're not selling paper clips people.  If we don't feel 
strongly about both sides of a discussion, I think we would, as a group, 
become very stale indeed.  I don't need e-mails posting links to worksheets 
and cute stories from family reading night.  I'm willing to have my own 
cultural comfort zone pushed; in fact, being forced to re-examine my own 
perspective and my own prejudices is one of the most valuable aspects this 
list offers.
Thanks,
Josh

Joshua Craig Hayes
Adult Literacy Instructor
SEARCH Project
2505 Fannin
Houston, Texas 77002
713-739-7752 ext 135
http://www.searchproject.org

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