What makes Ms. O'Hare think that the American Reading Company program works? What OBJECTIVE data has been used? The Sun article cited that students increased reading levels? What is the criteria used and who determines upward movement on the part of the students...the students themselves? What research backs the program? It seems that American Reading Company is fond of citing Allington. His research is not related to these programs...having read his books, it hardly seems that this is an instructional program that he would advance. Perhaps the real lure of the program is the benefit to adults...certainly not the children. Who brought the program and what significant and objective data was used to insure that it indeed was a good program? Were other programs explored?
BCPS has experienced great progress in the past few years. It breaks my heart that a few years down the road, we will reap what we have sown by putting the interests of adults before the needs of children.

As a teacher and parent of a child in a school using 100 Book, I can tell you that this is not an instructional program. It is a reading incentive program. Nothing more than a very costly, classroom library. Money would be better used in providing instruction that builds reading skills. Why not use the money to build high quality school libraries and classroom libraries? Yes, children need time and books to read...has anyone really examined the quality of these materials?

Hi Paul and Amy -

Thanks for your comments.

First, to Paul: Meg O'Hare may have cited my article during the meeting, but my story certainly is not the basis for her or any school officials' belief that this program works. The school system did its own study to evaluate its effectiveness at the schools where 100 Book was first piloted (a study which I cited in my article, and which I've read).
The program came through the Office of Equity and Assurance, which does pilots.
And now a question for you: You mention that perhaps the "real lure" of the program is its benefit to adults...What benefit do you mean/see?

2. To Amy: My understanding of 100 Book is that there are "assessments" involved (in terms of teachers actually sitting down with kids and making sure they understand certain words and have mastered certain skills that they should have at their respective reading levels). It's not just a matter of getting one's name on a list or receiving a medal.

What do you define as a reading incentive program?

Interestingly, when I spoke with Dr. Allington, he suggested that there should not even be an assessment component tied in...kids should, literally, just be reading something of their choice.
Of course, in the day of No Child Left Behind (and as Paul's comments suggest), a program without data doesn't have much of a leg to stand on.
Another point that didn't make it into my story: the classroom library you mention serves to provide what some of the students lack outside of school: access to a variety of books.

I find it unusual that two educators could get angry about children reading. Are they exhibiting some professional jealousy?

My son has participated in 100 Book Challenge since September 2008. He has never been one to sit and read and he now has 2 books on his night stand ready to read after he finishes his current book. I found him reading with the flash light the other night. Any program which encourages kids to like reading is better than what he has had so far. Below are his thoughts.
Omar Sr.

As a student in 5th grade reading in the 100 Book Challenge, this is the first time I like reading. I have always liked math and my dad is very proud of me that I am finally read books for fun. I like the choice and that I can pick something I am interested in everytime. Everyday my teacher give us a reason to read and she works with the other kids helping them be better readers everyday while we are reading. It is my favorite time when she talks to me by myself about what I am reading. She always tells me what I do well and helps me learn something new. She always lets us talk about what we have read. I think all kids should get 100 Book challenge. Omar

My third graders are reading up a storm and have done better this year on every single assessment because they read everyday for 20-30 minutes in books they choose and are meeting with success.. My students make meaning from what they read and connect that reading is thinking. In the past my children did not always understand the anthology and I had to read it to them or use a recording.
My independent reading time is connected to my instruction and is the practice and application of the skills and strategies we are learning in our Language Arts block. It is the best part of the day. It also was some of the best professional development I have ever had in my 15 years of teaching. It has helped me to learn how to differentiate instruction to meet my students needs. I do not understand how anyone can question books that are all authentic literature are poor choices for students. This is definitely a child -centered program and forward thinking teachers get it..

The OBJECTIVE data used came from the very teachers teaching the individual children. Are you questioning my integrity and the integrity of my fellow classroom teachers involved in the program? The criteria is based on national standards and the Voluntary State Curriculum which aligns with the BCPS curriculum. Teachers determine upward movement. It is a program requiring teacher judgment and assessment and helps me differentiate for students each school day. It provides authentic, not contrived literature, a balance of fiction and non-fiction choices .

There is a tremendous amount of research and data over 10 years to support the instructional strategies. There are also independent reviews, including one from UPenn.

Our principal had us independently check it out before we signed on. We visited another school and talked to the teachers. Our principal observed it and our parents checked it out, too. The enthusiasm of teachers, parents and progress of kids sold us on the initiative. There are lots of schools on a waiting list, including my own child's school.
The Baltimore County School Board has asked for program review. So far, this might be the only program I know of fully reviewed and shared with the with us. Our school and every classroom has had 2 support visits from 2 BCPS resource teachers this year and another one is scheduled soon. We usually do not get that much support with any initiative.

Dr. Allington speaks for himself and best practices. He will address school and teacher leaders in our local school system in February. I am bummed out there is such limited seating and I can not attend. I hope the system tapes the presentation.

You are quite right Dr. Allington is an expert in his field and he is supportive of sound, effective instruction. He is a huge proponent of student choice, authentic literature for independent reading, balanced literacy and effective teaching strategies to support children success. I too, have read his books and all the characteristics of effective instruction are in 100 Book Challenge. Seems like it is a teacher choice to fully implement the program. If you chose to do little with it, you'll get little out of it for your students. An adult choice.
As far as incentives go, what is wrong with a child getting a gold medal after every 25 hours of reading?
My students wear them every time we have a school-wide celebration. We reward athletes with trophies and attendance with certificates, Some of my students have never been recognized for anything academic. This is the first time and there is the opportunity for every child to improve and more read daily. Every student has the same opportunity to succeed, regardless of their independent reading level.
Shame on the adults not providing the opportunity and using the books as simply a classroom collection.

Again...where is the objective data? Have you visited American Book Company's website? The "Research Labs" purchased for BCPS with federal funds have no research at all...How much money has been spent on this program? At what expense to research based strategies? Of course, it is important that children read. No one denies that...does 100 Book provide the best of resources available to students? Who would know....noone looked into anything else.