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American novelist Philip Roth continues to publish critically acclaimed stories, having just finished his 31st book. At age 77, Roth admits to feeling the weight of old age settling on his shoulders, but he continues to write up to eight hours a day. What troubles him more than his creaking old joints, however, is his dread of a world devoid of readers. “The novel’s not going to disappear. What’s already begun to disappear, and has been disappearing for years, is the readership,” he lamented in a Globe and Mail interview (October 9, 2010). Roth elaborated that the culprit responsible for the decline in book readers is the screen in its many guises, especially the computer screen, which he calls “the nail in the coffin.” Roth is particularly concerned about the time consumed by screen time, which he believes leaves no time for book time. “I think it’s going to be pretty bad for our children.”
Notwithstanding Roth’s concern, young people continue to read, are being taught to read well and are excited about reading, as witnessed by three articles in this issue of the ATA Magazine. The articles discuss creative initiatives that have boosted the reading skills and reading comprehension levels of students—no small feat in a world dominated by our predilection for all things screen-related.
Witness the success of West Meadow Elementary School, in Claresholm. When school staff realized that not all its students took to reading easily or were encouraged to read at home, the school launched a program to remedy students’ reading deficiencies. “For children who struggle with reading, school can be joyless, frustrating and demoralizing, and they achieve neither personal nor academic success,” write Kurtis Hewson, West Meadow Elementary School principal, and Jim Parsons, University of Alberta professor. Their article “That Was Then … This Is Now” discusses the school’s Alberta Initiative for School Improvement program. The goal of the school’s initiative was twofold: every child should learn to read and every child should have fun learning to read.
The program was highly successful. Hewson and Parsons observed that the culture and learning of the entire school have changed for the better—children are becoming readers and having fun, parents are increasingly involved in the school and teachers are “growing, through their hard work, into energetic and effective professional communities of learning.”
Another innovative reading program uses comic books to instil an interest in and a love for reading. “More Than Just Funny Books—Comics Encourage Boys to Read” by the Canadian Council on Learning, debunks some myths related to comics, for example, that reading comics replaces reading other genres. In fact, the Council found that reading comic books serves as a catalyst for kick-starting boys’ interest in reading. “Research shows us that boys are generally less inclined to read than girls and that when they do read they prefer fantasy, nonfiction and comic books, which may hold promise for improving literacy rates,” writes the Council.
Many of you will no doubt remember the Spot book series (which is still going strong). Those original readers depicted Spot the dog in simple plots, unembellished illustrations and memorable lines, such as: “See Spot. See Spot run.” Lori Friesen, a doctoral candidate at the University of Alberta, has added a new twist to the meaning of dog-assisted literacy. Friesen designed a program in which her own two dogs, Tango and Sparky, played a significant role in encouraging reluctant readers to engage with stories and to read aloud. Students volunteered to read or write with Friesen and her dogs. She found that when students connect with the canines their confidence increased.
This year marks the 33rd year that the ATA Educational Trust has provided teachers with grants and bursaries. Since its inception in 1977, the Trust has distributed more than $800,000. One highlight of the Trust is the funding it provides for innovative professional development projects undertaken by teachers. Project reports are placed in the ATA library for the benefit of ATA members. Three such projects are featured in the magazine.
Teachers are encouraged to check out the Educational Trust’s publications and to apply for project funding, educational bursaries and/or specialist council conference support. The Trust relies on the generosity of teachers to ensure its continued existence, and teachers are invited to help sustain the Trust’s fund.
Kelly Thomas, himself a recipient of Educational Trust funding for a research paper about First Nations students, has provided an article about graduation rates among students from Glenwood School. The solution to increasing graduation rates, Thomas writes, is greater parental involvement in children’s schooling, which requires a commitment to more services and resources. Thomas argues: “If Alberta is serious about increasing the graduation rates of First Nations students, then family support given to First Nations families must increase.” Improving students’ graduation rates “does not lie at the door of the school; the answer lies at the door of home,” he says.
A humorous short story by Mary Brackenbury on the perils of drama festivals involving Grade 6 students and a story about an Alberta teaching dynasty round off the articles in this issue of the magazine.
ATA President Carol Henderson’s column tackles concerns facing teachers and the Alberta Teachers’ Association. Henderson briefly outlines the professional development issues that will undergo a comprehensive review in the year ahead. Issues that need discussion are teachers’ lack of preparation time, class size, teacher retention, teacher-directed PD and online reporting, to name only a few.
Dovetailing with Henderson’s column are issues your Association plans to discuss with the provincial government. Clearly, teachers and Alberta are at a crossroads, and we have an important role to play in determining the direction of education and the teaching profession in Alberta. Some of the challenges facing teachers are spelled out in the executive secretary’s column, which appears on page 42.
The spring issue of the ATA Magazine will explore creativity and critical thinking. I’m pleased to report that Dr. Garnet Millar will spearhead that issue. Millar is the author of The Power of Creativity: Results of the 50-Year Follow-Up to the Torrance Longitudinal Study of Creative Behavior. Findings from Millar’s work and invited guest writers’ articles will form the basis for that special issue.
Finally, this issue signals the end of one partnership and the beginning of a new arrangement. For many years, the magazine was published by Quebecor. Of late, Quebecor’s Edmonton plant changed hands and in October, we were informed that it would no longer print magazine-format publications. Following a search for a suitable printer, ATA Magazine staff selected RR Donnelley, Edmonton. As well as the company’s high quality print capabilities, staff were impressed that the printer is a member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Canada. FSC is an international certification and labeling system that guarantees that the forest products purchased come from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources.
