PIRLS 2006 Encyclopedia

PIRLS 2006 EncyclopediaInstructional MaterialsStudents are expected to read texts published in their Polish language textbooks andworkbooks. Workbooks typically include exercises that ask students to demonstrate theirunderstanding and evaluation of the texts. In grade 3, students are expected to read athome a children’s story or a short novel selected by the teacher.Use of TechnologyIn grades 0–3, audiovisual equipment is available in many classrooms. However, fewcomputers are available to children in these lower-primary grades. In Polish primaryschools, on average, there is 1 computer for every 20 students. 2 Computer rooms are usedprimarily by students in grades 4–6 during their information technology classes.Role of Reading SpecialistsThere are no trained reading specialists in Poland. Schools employ speech therapists andeducational therapists to assist students with special needs or learning disabilities. Onaverage, there are 33 teacher-therapists for every 100 primary schools. 3Second-language InstructionPrimary grade students whose mother tongue is not Polish may attend compensatoryclasses in their schools.Reading DisabilitiesDiagnostic TestingIn Poland, there are no standardized screening tests for reading disabilities. It is theteacher’s responsibility to identify students with reading and writing difficulties andrecommend the proper course of action such as remediation.Instruction for Children with Reading DisabilitiesStudents with reading disabilities are referred to remedial classes within their schools,usually following their regular classes. In the majority of the schools, remedial classesare managed by an elementary grade teacher who quite often also teaches students inthe regular classes.Teachers and Teacher EducationTeacher Education and TrainingEvery teacher must successfully complete a university or college course for a 3-yearbachelor’s (first) or 2-year master’s (second) degree and a 1-year internship in a school. Someuniversities offer 5-year studies that integrate the first- and second-degree programs.A teacher in grades 0–3 of primary school must have a degree in elementary education.Reading instruction is an integral component of teachers’ responsibilities in these grades.There are no specific requirements for teaching reading.Poland306