Before beginning this post, I scanned old posts to see what I have already written about explicit instruction. I was surprised to see just a few, with these two rising to the top: A Formula for Reading Success and A Trifecta in the Sciences. It was a quick scan, so perhaps there are a few … [Read more…]
In last week’s post, The Times They Are A-Changin’, I referenced a blogpost written by Margaret Goldberg, literacy coach and cofounder of The Right to Read Project. In her post, Goldberg expressed her frustration in a lack of clarity in a literacy coach’s role. As I digest her writing for the third or fourth time, … [Read more…]
This quote is a fairly common one in education circles. I’ve heard it before, but it hit me like a ton of bricks this week. I’ve been working with Zach, an amazing high school special education teacher, around a goal of improving reading outcomes for his students with reading goals. I have run diagnostic assessments … [Read more…]
Full disclosure: Today I am writing from a position of arguably limited authority. I have been a classroom teacher (23 years) and an instructional coach (7 years) and have held varied leadership positions in the past. I am talking to and about school district leadership, though I have never held one of the positions that … [Read more…]
Foundational Reading Skills As the science of reading movement continues to evolve, some much-needed attention is being drawn to adolescent literacy and the Language Comprehension side of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. In our work with special education teachers and students in our 7th – 12th grade building this year, we have uncovered significant foundational skill gaps … [Read more…]
George Couros has done it again – he has provided the just-in-time, just-right motivation I need. In his most recent blogpost, “The Power of Consistency: Do What You Say and Deliver More Than Expected,” he reminds readers of staying true to your word. He reminds us to keep the promises we make to ourselves and … [Read more…]
There is a great deal of pride in reflecting on the work being done in our 7th – 12th grade building around literacy interventions and support for our special education staff and students. Our teachers, coaches, and administrators are working incredibly hard to rectify an unfortunate reality: 34% of our students are not proficient … [Read more…]