A study examined two first-grade classrooms
implementing the whole language approach and two utilizing the basal
reading approach to determine the differences, if any, between the
treatments. The hypothesis was that the whole language reading
approach when combined with a phonics program would not result in
higher test scores on a standardized test than the basal reading
approach combined with a phonics program. All four classes completed
the required curriculum for the first grade. The 48 students in the
whole language classes were instructed through the use of Big Books
with whole class lessons and much writing incorporated into the
program. The 47 students in the basal reading classes were instructed
through the MacMillan basal series in reading groups.All four
classroom teachers also included the same phonics program, separate
from the reading program. The California Test for Basic Skills (CTBS)
was administered to all four classes. The scores from the subtests of
comprehension, word analysis, spelling and vocabulary were examined
using t-tests. Results indicated rejection of the hypothesis of the
study. Findings revealed that the basal series approach proved
significantly better than the whole language approach.