Often, there is no one in a school to oversee the reading program and support teachers in reading instruction. Finally, class sizes should be smaller at the primary levels. Even the best-trained teachers are hampered by large classes. I taught in an early-intervention program this summer. It is amazing what can be accomplished when there are 15 or fewer children in a class.
Early literacy is the foundation of a good education.
It is far too important to put in the hands of untrained or undertrained teachers. The responsibility of supporting our youngest students in developing reading and writing skills should be given to the best teachers in a school building. If Chicago schools are going to improve, we must address these critical issues. Shari Frost is a 1st-grade teacher at Norwood Park Elementary School. She also has taught literacy courses at Northeastern Illinois University, National Louis University and Columbia College.