Strategies and Structures for Teaching Reading

Applicants Beliefs About Literacy: This 2 day seminar draws from two experts. Jennifer Serravallo’s resource, The Reading Strategies Book: Your Everything Guide to Developing Skilled Readers and Laura Stewart, National Director of The Reading League will provide an Introduction to the Science of Reading. The seminar will also include other resources about formative assessment, conferring and small group instruction. It will take place over two five hour days and the course goals are as follows. Jennifer Serravallo’s Reading Strategies: -To understand how to use formative assessment information to find appropriate goals for each reader -To craft explicit, clear strategies -To coach and prompt readers, and provide feedback as students practice strategies Participants will begin by exploring the hierarchy of reading goals, find quick and practical formative assessments in practical ways, and determine appropriate goals for all readers in the classroom. Then, participants will learn how to craft strategies and effective feedback that will support the readers as they practice strategies to meet their growth goals. During the last portion of the seminar, participants will learn different methods for teaching strategies and will learn the differences between guided reading and strategy lessons. Teachers will leave with the capacity to utilize assessments and teaching strategies to grow both their teaching craft and their students as readers. Introduction to The Science of Reading by Laura Stewart: -Big Idea 1-We have a national reading crisis so there is an urgency to make changes. Is it possible to move the needle? How do we bridge from where we currently are to the 95% we know is possible? It’s not about working harder, it’s about working smarter: knowing the research, stop what isn’t working and support teachers in building knowledge and practice. This is a “no shame zone”; we have unfinished work in literacy. -Big Idea 2- There are misconceptions that have driven reading instruction over the past few decades, including the idea that reading is natural. We’ll do some “mythbusting” and establish a culture of growth around reading instruction: “when we know better, we do better.” -Big Idea 3- There is a convergence of evidence from multiple fields of study over the past 40 years on the process of reading and what works in reading instruction. What are the theoretical models which guide instruction and what are key instructional principles? -Big Idea 4 -We can deliver on the promise of literacy for all. What are some initial steps administrators can take to lead the charge for literacy in buildings or districts? What are the best steps for teachers? How do we “pull weeds and plant flowers?” This 2 day seminar will be open to our Ranch View staff first and then District’s Learning Services will invite other elementary staff members to fill in remaining spots. 70 participants will be invited, if more are interested than that will be discussed with presenters.

How does this grant promote the development of literacy for learners?0

Please clarify your personal belief system about literacy and learning that is reflected in your practice?Assessment is such an integral part of teaching. We use formal and informal assessments daily or weekly. Assessment drives our instruction and informs our differentiated groups. After hearing these presenters, the teachers will gain a better understanding of what to assess,how to assess, and how to move the students’ learning forward. Teachers will be able to monitor student progress through the Fountas and Pinnell benchmark results, NWEA MAP test, and any common formative assessments that are created in PLC teams(professional learning communities).

Assessment PlanCost for Serevallo: daily rate for workshops is $3100.00. Travel expenses are added to that rate. Cost for Laura Stewart: daily rate for workshop is $2000.00. There are no travel expenses. Total A: $5,100 w/District 203 picking up teacher compensation Total B: $12,600 including teacher compensation Cost for District 203 teacher compensation: $125 a day for 70 staff members over 2 days totals $7500.00

Itemized & Detailed BudgetWe have a passion for literacy and believe it is our responsibility to promote literacy for all in our school community. Literacy encompasses speaking, listening, reading and writing. We believe in the necessity for a firm foundation to be set beginning at home in the early years, and then continued at school. Research has proven that students who struggle with reading in the second half of kindergarten will continue to struggle throughout school and into adulthood. Scientific research has also provided us with the tools, strategies, and pedagogy to instruct, intervene, and accelerate learning in the area of literacy. Gone are the days of guessing and wondering what the best approach is for teaching reading. We believe in the science of reading and incorporating that practice into a solid, balanced literacy framework.