The Superintendent responds

SCHOOLS

BHES

BVES

FOX LANE HIGH SCHOOL

FLMS

MKES

PRES

SCANDALS

The Public Schools of Westchester County New York

KAREN MCCARTHY, PhD.
Superintendent

KATONAH-LEWISBORO SCHOOLS
KATONAH, NEW YORK 10536
(914) 763-5000
FAX (914) 763-9330

Katonah-Lewisboro School District

ROBERT V. LICHTENFELD, Ed D. MARGARET J. BRINSON

Assistant Superintendent Administrative Assistant

June 27, 1996

Mr. and Mrs. Lance LaLone Katonah, New York 10536

Dear Mr. and Mrs. LaLone:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding the teaching of reading. I had read the "New York Times" article with interest last month, pleased that the experts quoted confirmed our own commitment to a "balanced reading program" of which phonics is an important part. Further, most of us certainly read Why Johnny Can't Read, as for years it was a staple in teacher training courses despite the fact that it was written before (even I) started high school!

I am somewhat surprised by your apparent concerns about our reading program, as I suspect that our philosophy closely parallels your own views on the subject. Just to clear things up, let me provide you with a few facts:

> The district does not subscribe to a single approach to reading instruction. Instead, we are committed to a balanced approach that instructs students in phonics, but also introduces them to literature at an early age. We certainly have not "replaced phonics instruction with whole language!"

> Our standardized test scores over many years indicate that our reading approach is very successful. In 1995-96 on the New York State Pupil Evaluation Tests at the 3rd grade Level, 100% of our students scored above the State's competency level, while at the 6th Grade Level 97% were above that level.

Katonah Elementary School Lewisboro Elementary School Increase Miller Elementary School Meadow Pond Elementary School
John Jay Middle School John Jay High School

JOHN E. THIBDEAU
Director of Administrative Services

> At the high school level, a very high percentage of our students are registered in college level advanced placement courses, and over 90% of our graduates attend four-year colleges. Our SAT verbal average scores have never declined and are significantly higher than state and national statistics.

> Our library circulation has dramatically increased in the last five years indicating that students are reading more.

We do not have a "high percentage of students who need remedial reading." In fact, only 3% of the students between Grades 3 and 6, or 23 children, actually qualify under State guidelines to receive this service. We choose to provide support to children demonstrating a wide variety of reading problems at a wide range of tested skills. Much of our work with these children is more preventative than remedial in nature. This percentage, by the way, has not increased in recent years. The raw number is greater only because our enrollment has increased.

In conclusion, the district remains committed to a balanced approach to reading instruction, believing it has been successful to date. We resist fads and trends, believing that there are few single solutions to problems. Most goals require that we use a variety of techniques and materials to assure ultimate success. We hope that as Dylan proceeds through the grades, he will prosper in our very nurturing environment.

Sincerely,

Karen McCarthy Superintendent of Schools

cc: Dr. A. Dowling

Increase Miller Compact Team Ms. Cyndy Jones
Dr. Robert Lichtenfeld