The 6 T's

Richard Allington's article, "What I've Learned About Effective Reading Instruction" (2002), writes about exemplary teachers and what characteristics make up the composition of such exemplary teachers. The article covers time, texts, teaching, talk, tasks and testing. It began with the notion that the teaching profession is no different then any other. The teaching profession requires "expertise" just as any other profession. The article ends with the notion that professionals do not act and react to a strict day to day, hour to hour, activity by activity, "script." The great professionals of the world can operate and achieve results by following their own "script" because life is unique. People are unique. Experiences are unique. Reactions and problem solving techniques must be unique. Professionals in the teaching field recognize aspects of each of these six "T's" that Allington refers to and incorporates them into their teaching methods. The only discussion question I have is, why on earth is this not already common sense?

1) TIME: Effective teachers fill the majority of their time in the classroom with reading and writing activities.
2) TEXTS: Motivation to read is dramatically influenced by the childs reading success. Reading activities should be specialized to reflect the different needs of each student.
3) TEACHING: Assignment and assessment is not active teaching.
4) TALK: Classroom talk should be personalized and engaged upon often with an emphasis on independent thought.
5) TASKS: Assignments span longer periods of time.
6) TESTING: Assigning grades includes a rubric of effort, ability and progress.