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Kenneth S. Goodman (December 23, 1927 - March 12, 2020) was an American educator and researcher known for his work in reading theory, linguistics, and education. Occasionally referred to as the "Father of Whole Language',[1][2], he is also known for his development of miscue analysis.[3] Before his death, he was an Emeritus Professor of Language, Reading, and Culture at the University of Arizona.[4] His theories were the subject of debate in reading education throughout the late twentieth century.[2]
Goodman was a board member of the International Literacy Association from 1976 to 1979, and its president from 1980 to 1981. He was awarded the William S. Gray Citation of Merit by the International Literacy Association in 1986.[5]
Goodman's concept of written language development views it as parallel to oral language development. Goodman's theory was a basis for the whole language movement, which was further developed by Yetta Goodman, Regie Routman, Frank Smith and others. His concept of reading as an analogue to language development has been studied by brain researchers such as Sally Shaywitz, who rejected the theory on the grounds that reading does not develop naturally in the absence of instruction. Goodman's theory and strong convictions made him a part[peacockprose] of the whole language movement and he received much criticism from those who disagree with it.[who?] His book What's Whole in Whole Language, originally published in 1986, sold over 250,000 copies in six languages.
Achievements
Goodman served in several important[peacockprose] capacities, including as President of the International Reading Association, President of the National Conference on Research in Language and Literacy, and President of the Center for Expansion of Language and Thinking. He also worked extensively[quantify] with the National Council of Teachers of English. He received a number of awards, including the James Squire award from NCTE for contributions to the profession and NCTE (2007). Goodman has published over 150 articles and book chapters as well as a number of books. In addition to What's Whole in Whole Language, he also wrote Ken Goodman on Reading and Phonics Phacts; all were published by Heinemann. His book Scientific Realism in Studies of Education, was published by Taylor and Francis in 2007. His last book was "Reading- The Grand Illusion: How and Why People Make Sense of Print" with contributions from linguist, Peter H. Fries and neurologist, Steven L. Strauss and was published by Routledge in 2016.
Goodman was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame in 1989.[6]
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