In seven years we went from one of the lowest achieving to right in the middle on comparative scores. We are quite excited about that. We use data to help guide us in our choices to where we're going. That aspect is important but only one piece of a balanced approach. We guard against any extremes.
Kids learn to read, and direct instruction helps.
Reading is decoding symbols. It is also linking past experiences. Reading is getting ideas into one's own mind. It's creating meaning. Our ELLs can decode, but they don't always understand.