Priority 1: High Quality Literacy Instruction
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Q'anjobal
Initiative: Cultivating a culture of literacy
We will be successful when every student has a love of literacy and sees themselves as a reader and writer and every student participates actively as a reader and writer in a literacy-rich classroom.
This work is important because everything we do in school requires reading comprehension and the ability to communicate through writing. Research shows that teens who are avid readers have greater academic outcomes and better self-regulation skills. When students see themselves as readers, it builds their curiosity and can transport them to different places and times. When students see themselves as writers, they are empowered to communicate and express their learning.
Our initial work will include assembling a literacy leadership team to oversee and report on the progress of this work. New books will be purchased for school libraries to include culturally representative books, beginning with grades K-6 in fall 2022 and continuing with grades 7-12 in spring 2023. Staff will begin to outline lesson plans and curriculum for the year and then implement learning plans. Families and community will have access to literacy resources and opportunities to engage in shared literacy experiences with students.
Success metrics: increase in the number of 3rd grade and 7th grade students reaching a “proficiency” level on the Smarter Balanced Assessment in English Language Arts.
Initiative: Supporting comprehensive literacy learning
We will be successful when every student is receiving literacy instruction that meets their personalized learning needs and is aligned to state standards; students will be able to read, write, and comprehend grade-level texts.
In a comprehensive literacy teaching framework, teachers use evidence-based methods to engage and excite readers, while providing differentiation to meet the needs of all students. Students will become independent, successful readers.
Staff will receive professional development and support to provide comprehensive literacy instruction. Students will receive rigorous instruction and tiered supports that meets them where they are at on their continuum of learning.
Our initial work toward on this priority will include implementing inclusionary practices to support all readers and implementing assessments to measure the success. Staff will continue to receive professional development and roll out the implementation of comprehensive literacy learning, inclusionary practices, and data-driven instruction.
Success metrics: increase in the number of 3rd grade and 7th grade students reaching a “proficiency” level on the Smarter Balanced Assessment in English Language Arts.
