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Instructional Approaches
- Basal/skills-based
- Process-writing
- Literature-based
- Unit-based
- Language Experience
Web Site Features for
- Basal/skills-based
- Process-writing
- Literature-based
- Unit-based
- Language Experience
Support for Classroom
Web Site Development
- Example Sites
- Web development software
- Collaborate with other literacy teachers
- Online graduate courses
Contact Dr. Baker
303 Townsend Hall
Columbia, MO • 65211
Phone: (573) 882-4831
Fax: (573) 884-7492
Email: BakerE@missouri.edu
Web Site: www.coe.missouri.edu/~baker/
Instructional
Approach: Basal/skills Basal/skills-based approaches break down the acts of reading and writing into a series of discrete skills. These skills are then sequenced and grouped into levels. Herein, children can take objective tests that place them into levels. The teacher can provide instruction on the skills specified for that level. The children can practice the skills that pertain to their level until they demonstrate sufficient proficiency to continue with the skills on the next level.
While other approaches address the same reading and writing skills what is unique about basal/skills approaches is that these skills are addressed because a child, based on objective tests, fits into a certain skill level--which focuses on a list of specified skills. Basal/skills approaches are also unique because they rely on behavioral theories of learning. Specifically, basal/skills approaches focus on drill and practice exercises with each skill.
In order to provide sufficient practice with each skill, these exercises commonly isolate the skills from the context of reading or writing authentic text. After ample practice and the development of proficiency, children use these skills in the context of authentic reading and writing.
Basal/skills approaches have regained popularity since Congress enacted No Child Left Behind (NCLB) because these approaches are well-aligned with standardized skills tests that are used by states to meet NCLB requirements.
Web site features that fit well with basal/skills-based approaches