Then and now: Perspectives on the status of elementary reading instructionby prominent reading educators

This study queried members of the Reading Hall of Fame about elementary sch ool reading instruction. Results from closed and open items revealed three major themes: (a) a neo-traditional view toward the teaching and learning o f reading; (b) frustration with the fadism and ideological debates in the f ield; and (c) the necessity of enhancing teacher knowledge at the universit y and in public school settings. The perspectives of Reading Hall of Fame m embers of today were then compared to those of prominent reading educators of the past (Morrison, 1963), revealing both similarities and differences i n the evaluation of elementary reading education then and now.