Two independent teams of middle school teachers, curriculum specialists and professors of science education evaluated each text. The authors of the study understand that the negative evaluations will be disturbing for schools using these texts, but teachers should be able to start looking for ways to compensate for text shortcomings. The plan will provide parents a custom-made menu of reading activities that they can complete with their children at home. Recognizing the importance of parent support, the plan is designed to go well beyond the generic advice to read to their children. Teachers will present to parents the Family Reading Plan folder which contains a description of reading skills and appropriate reading activities to accompany the skills.
Teachers discuss the skills with parents and explain the strengths and weaknesses of their children.
At least monthly, teachers and parents will communicate activities and progress via the Family Reading Program folder. The folders will follow students as they move through grades. The folder concept will also assure continuity in the education of students moving to different attendance centers. Maryland hopes to offer the program to all schools in the 2000-2001 school year. According to Acting Deputy Secretary of Education Marshall Smith, the computer systems of 450 school districts will not be ready for the year 2000.