"Readicide"

Kelly Gallagher's "Readicide" was like a breath of fresh air. She answered so many questions I've had about teaching and the stresses it has created even though I haven't even started student teaching. One of my favorite aspect of the book was her take on standardized testing. I remember in class in our small groups we talked about the WASL and other state tests that our teachers would take weeks to prep us for just to prove ourselves to the state. I also remember in high school when teachers would complain about having to stray from their original plans and focus on what they had to teach us so that we would pass these tests. There has to be some other way to test students without taking time out of the teacher's schedule and making teacher's feel like they need to revolve their lessons around a test.
Another part I related to was when Gallagher explained that students aren't reading for fun anymore. I can't even remember the last time I read a book that I was throughly enjoying and excited to read. As a kid my parents would take me to the library or Barnes and Noble and I would be able to pick out any book I wanted. Eventually I found out which authors I preferred along with which genres. I loved mysteries, but how often do you get to read those in school? If teachers could incorporate more individualized instruction (which is asking a lot, I know) so that students are able to chose their own books to read they will come a lot more interested in the lesson. I remember something similar like this lesson in the 5th grade, and I remember that all these years later because I remember enjoying it. If I can somehow take this and incorporate it into a high school classroom while also prepping them for the test they have to take, I think it would be so successful.