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LETTER TO
THE EDITOR
Worth repeating
Dave Pearson’s comment in the “What’s Hot” feature in Literacy Today [Sept./Oct. 2015]
should have been displayed in large type with colorful arrows pointing at it. As we
have done historically in education with other topics, we have elevated the importance
of close reading of exceptionally challenging texts beyond its rightful place. In the
process, we have diminished the importance
of some of the foundational skills students
need to enjoy and comprehend what
they read.
Another feature of the piece should also
have been emphasized: “Remember that
these classifications do not represent their
relative importance—merely the attention
they are receiving.” (p. 12) As much as I look
forward to reading “What’s Hot” (thank
you, Dr. Cassidy), I sometimes think that
many people don’t read the piece closely
and recognize what it is all about.
— Michael Milone, Placitas, NM
of s
ne
th
LITERACY TODAY | November/December 2015