Parkland Teachers' Book Circle Shares Ideas for Improving Reading Comprehension in Adolescents

(12-Jan-2005) On the evenings of December 2 and January 12, a group of language arts (and French language arts!) teachers, led by Professional Development Committee Chair Karen McAmmond, met at the offices of Parkland Teachers to participate in a study group. The teachers are examining an enlightening book by educator Cris Tovani, entiled I Read It, But I Don't Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers. According to Tovani, adults sometimes erroneously believe that if adolescents can read the words in a book, they will clearly understand them. I Read It, But I Don't Get It debunks that myth and offers insightful ideas for improving the comprehension of even the most frustrated or reluctant readers. The Parkland Teachers reading circle will meet again a third and final time on Wednesday, January 26 to discuss what they have read — and to share practical ideas for using Tovani's teaching strategies in their own classrooms. For more information on this and other excellent professional development opportunities from Parkland Teachers, please see the PD section of this Web site or contact our offices directly.