"Signature literacy, the ability to read and write one's name, was the mark of a literate person at the time of the American Revolution. By the mid-19th century, 'recitation literacy' was the standard, demonstrated by oral recitation of memorized texts, such as Bible verses. Then in the early 20th century the bar was raised: The measure of literacy was the ability to read previously unseen text."
I didn't realize literacy had previously been so crude. This quote made me think about how much plantation owners really understood, how literate they were compared to the modern definition. The 'masters' were probably only a few grade levels above their slaves.
Another comment I found noteworthy is found on page 7:
"The diversity of students in public schools today does not support a 'one size fits all' program of reading instruction; rather, teachers must be able to provide instruction appropriate to the wide range of students' experiences and needs."
I thought this was a good point. Since it would be difficult to give one-on-one instruction in a public school setting, smaller groups would be more conducive.
On the same page the author makes a very valid statement.
"teachers must recognize and work to eliminate the ways in which students' ethnicity, culture, language, and social class are used by schools consciously or unconsciously as an explanation for students' success or failure."
It is important for educators to promote and 'live out' this viewpoint.
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