Wikipedia article:

1. Literacy means more than the ability to read and write. It also means the ability to communicate. There may be a tie in between literacy and wealth. It took time for many countries to improve on literacy for it's citizens. It had previously been assiciated with determining who could vote or not. Literacy is composed of many things such as fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

2. Key Issues:

A. Phonics vs. Whole Language - which is better? There are arguments for both. The studies seem to point towards Phonics, but proponents of Whole Language don't agree with how the studies are conducted and feel that how they are conducted is based on their bias towards supporting phonics.
B. 1998 - 20% of the world is illiterate. Seems somewhat surprising that it is so high.
C. Illiteracy has been decreasing in the 3rd world.

3. Wondering why the illiteracy rate is so high and what can be done about it. Also curious about the disparity between the illiteracy rates between men and women in the Arab and 3rd world.

It would be interesting to see if the definition of literacy should include the ability to use and communicate with technology.

Silencing Teachers article:

1. Why bring in a "canned program" that lacks the ability to differentiate between students and doesn't allow students to communicate much with the teacher and themselves?

It takes a lot for an educator to stand up for what she believes in in terms of literacy and be willing to leave her job for her beliefs.

There seems to be a very rigid implementation of Open Court which was more prevelant and strict in the poorer areas. Students and teachers suffered in terms of literacy by having to be so rigid.

2. Over-emphasis on testing as opposed to more overall learning. Rigidity to "cookbook" literacy approach in the poorer areas.

Good for the author and a few other teachers to write their letter to propose changes and stand up for what they believe in.

3. Was this approach "all about the money?" McGraw Hill were the consultants involved. It benefits them to have the schools "follow the program."

How many situations like this exsist that we just don't know about?