[MOSAIC] just right books?

[HERBERT Suzanne]

Firstly, an apology to Bev, I'm so sorry, I called you Paul, I was misreading your name.  Secondly, the great thing about this discussion is that it's been such a great one.  What is coming through is the need for balance in the reading program, but with a lot of common sense too.  I appreciate so much all the comments that have been made, and the thinking it has made me do about what I am doing.  Elisa please tell your boss, that I'm looking for a job!!!!!  
Now, my next question is, 'how important is it for kids to continually log in a book or on some sort of document' what they are reading independently?  And, 'tests' do you all give that determines levels, reading comprehension, etc.....?  WE are only now Allowd to give the DRA, I used to like the TORCH, (dont' know if any of you have used it) and of course just a few running records to keep track of my kids, but trusted totally my 28 years of teaching 'gut' to know how they were really doing.  I know, I'm not allowed to do that anymore.....but what is happening in your schools with testing.  Our kids do the ISA (Iternational schools assessment) tests as their standardised test but it is not subject to a great deal of scrutiny as yet, I believe however it will be in the future.  Have a lovely weekend everyone, it's just on eight am here, 35 degrees C and Saturday is just looking GREAT.  Suzanne
-----Original Message-----
From: mosaic-bounces at literacyworkshop.org on behalf of Waingort Jimenez, Elisa
Sent: Sat 4/26/2008 7:42 AM
To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] just right books?
 
You could give him a blue ribbon as someone who makes a difference.
Elisa

Elisa Waingort
Grade 2 Spanish Bilingual
Dalhousie Elementary
Calgary, Canada


I know that some administrators don't accept our instinct, thankfully mine
respects my experience and knowledge enough to allow me to sometimes go with
my gut.  I think I'll go to work and thank him tomorrow!
Mary