The Impact of Scripted Literacy Instruction on Teachers and Students

Abstract

Scripted instruction is having a profound effect on teachers and students. The idea for this article emerged while conducting a study on Reciprocal Teaching and Narrow Reading with elementary school teachers. These methods had a positive effect on student achievement and interest. Soon after the study ended, however, the teachers reverted back to using a reading scripted program. Like teachers around the country, the participants complained that they were overwhelmed with the restrictions placed on them by federal and state mandates. This has left students unprepared and teachers disillusioned about their profession. Instead of expensive commercially designed programs, it is important to provide teachers with support so that they can become knowledgeable, sensitive and responsible educators, which will result in academic achievement for students.