Discussion

This year D79 is focusing on these 4 key questions related to writing instruction. The questions were developed with Advanced Literacies, NYC Supportive Environment Framework, and the NYSED CR-SE Framework all in mind.

Our goal is that all teachers utilize highly effective instructional practices and can answer "yes" to these questions as they facilitate student discussion. Planning and delivering instruction with these questions in mind will improve both student engagement and achievement.

Click on any question to find professional development resources for both in person and remote learning!

Did the teacher: 1) use unit and content vocabulary when speaking to the class, and 2) build in intentional interactions with targeted unit and other content vocabulary in student verbal responses and discussion?

Did the teacher establish talk routines that empower students to debate, reflect and analyze a particular concept or topic?

Did the teacher provide opportunities for students to formulate questions, initiate topics, challenge one another’s thinking, and make unsolicited contributions to class discussion?

Did the teacher scaffold instruction as appropriate to support student participation in discussion in classes, with evidence for explicit support for multilingual learners? (For example, use sentence stems, debate organizers. etc.)