What Teachers Want: A Statewide Survey of Reading and English Language Arts Teachers’ Instructional Materials, Preferences, and Practices

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study reports the results of a survey of a representative sample of 1,206 elementary reading and English Language Arts teachers in Oregon to learn (1) what materials are currently being used, (2) what materials teachers would prefer, and (3) what instructional practices teachers use. Qualitative data included 365 comments and 34 interviews with participants. Results indicated that in grades K–6 core reading programs were the predominant material, but that these teachers also preferred to use trade books. The majority of grade 7–12 teachers reported mainly using trade books. Teachers reported using promising literacy practices, but data indicated that packaged programs are associated with reduced opportunities for students to engage in these practices. Teachers wanted to use their professional judgment to make decisions about materials.