Asheville Hosts Whaleastic Grown-Up Book Fair

News Summary

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the Whale hosts the Whaleastic Grown-Up Book Fair on April 12. This event not only revives the nostalgia of elementary school book fairs but also highlights educational changes in literacy instruction within North Carolina. With local authors present and an emphasis on the science of reading, Asheville takes significant steps in fostering literacy in the community.

Asheville Welcomes Book Fair and Celebrates Educational Changes

There’s a buzz in Asheville this weekend as The Whale steps up to host the eagerly awaited Whaleastic Grown-Up Book Fair on Saturday, April 12, running from 1 to 5 p.m. This delightful event aims to bring back all those warm, fuzzy memories of elementary school book fairs with a twist of modern-day excitement. You can expect to find not only stacks of books from local legends such as Malaprop’s, Blue Moon Books, and Firestorm, but also lots of unique treasures from local vendors selling bookmarks, jewelry, journals, and other fabulous items!

For those who live for author encounters, you’re in for a treat! A host of published authors will be on-site and ready to chat and sign your books. And for book collectors, don’t miss the chance to bid on an autographed copy of “Goosebumps” by the renowned illustrator Tim Jacobus, alongside a cozy Firestorm Books gift basket, with proceeds going to benefit Literacy Together, a devoted local nonprofit.

Literacy Instruction in the Spotlight

While the book fair captures the charm of literacy, there’s an important shift happening in North Carolina regarding how our young learners are taught to read. This has been a hot topic lately, especially with the transition from the widely used “balanced literacy” approach to the new method known as the “science of reading.” This controversial change stems from longstanding debates on literacy strategies and comes as test scores indicate troubling trends in reading proficiency.

To put it plainly, only about one-third of fourth-graders across the U.S. read at a proficient level, and this grim statistic reflects a stagnant issue that has persisted for decades. North Carolina’s reading scores mirror these national averages, raising eyebrows and prompting a reevaluation of the current teaching approach. Critics of balanced literacy, which emphasizes using context clues rather than rigorous phonics instruction, argue that this method has shown its limitations when it comes to actually preparing kids for complex reading tasks.

The call for more systematic phonics instruction has gained traction, with many believing it’s essential for children to decode words successfully. This sentiment is particularly resonant among future educators. Take Carson Bridges, for example. As an elementary education student who began teaching amid this ongoing debate, he actively sought training focused on the science of reading to effectively equip young learners with the skills they need to succeed.

The Path to Change

As far back as 2017, the UNC System recognized the necessity for educational reform, advocating for a shift in curriculum towards the science of reading. However, the road to reform has been anything but straightforward. Legislative mandates for a full transition didn’t kick in until late 2024, showcasing the cumbersome nature of educational reform within the state. Yet, this time around, there seems to be a united front across the political spectrum supporting the science of reading.

Notably, recent legislative actions have resulted in a whopping $57 million investment aimed at boosting professional training for teachers focused on the new teaching methods. North Carolina now stands alongside 45 other states that have embraced reading-related legislation between 2019 and 2022. However, it has not been a smooth ride. Some education faculty have exhibited resistance to this new wave, often referring back to their comfort with balanced literacy instruction due to past successes.

Amidst these changes, there has been a significant drop in the number of education degrees awarded by the UNC System, raising concerns about the consistency and quality of teacher preparation, especially in literacy instruction. The alarming statistics shed light on the issue, revealing that nearly 87% of Black and Brown fourth-graders in Asheville are struggling to reach reading proficiency.

A New Chapter for Literacy Education

One silver lining to emerge from the challenging moment of the pandemic is a heightened awareness of students’ literacy struggles, as many parents grew more engaged in their children’s education. While the progress has been promising, experts agree that continuous legislative action will be necessary to ensure that the science of reading becomes an established part of North Carolina’s educational framework. As the state moves forward, it becomes increasingly vital to prioritize effective literacy instruction for all young learners.

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Additional Resources

• The Assembly: Science of Reading Education
• WLOS: Nearly 70% NC Fourth Graders Lack Reading Proficiency
• Trib Papers: People of Action – Honoring Asheville Heroes
• Tryon Daily Bulletin: Keynote Speaker for MLK Celebration
• Google Search: Literacy Education