"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
Helen Keller
In this module, you will have the opportunity to examine effective methods to provide literacy support. From walk-throughs to the TEAM evaluation model, you will need to consider how you will leverage leadership support to drive literacy improvement.
Thinking Points
Does your current school leadership team support literacy at your school?
What are ways that you see your leaders support literacy through your school’s mission statement?
Figure 1: Building Blocks of Reading
(Reading Rockets, 2011)Watch the video on the Building Blocks of Reading (Figure 1) . Pay close attention to Principal Bowmann.
Do you feel that Principal Bowmann models a clear vision? How?
Explain how his vision supports the teachers and students?
Figure 2: Making the Case for the Literacy Classroom Model
(Houck & Novak, 2016)Read Chapter 1. Making the Case for the Literacy Classroom Visit Model (Figure 2).
What are we looking for as leaders?
Evaluate the Classroom Checklist… Thoughts?
Figure 3: Teaching Literacy in Tennessee
(TN Department of Education, 2018)The Teaching Literacy in Tennessee document (Figure 3) contains a large amount of useful information.
As a leader focus on page 13.
Consider the The framework for a literacy block (Figure 4)
Pages 14-34 gives an in-depth breakdown of each component of the literacy block.
Figure 4: The framework for a literacy block
(TN Department of Education, 2018, p. 13)The following pages of the training document highlight the alignment of the TEAM rubric and Early Literacy. It is lengthy but great information for leaders.
Pages 12-16 TEAM Theory of Action
Pages 17-19 Core Beliefs
Pages 29-36 Planning in Early Grade Literacy
Pages 37-43 Student Work
Pages 44-48 Assessment
Pages 63-65 Environment
Pages 76-86 Breakdown of the Instruction Domains
Figure 5: TEAM Recertification: Early Grades Literacy
(TN Department of Education, n.d.)How does this change your thinking as a leader with the TEAM rubric?
Does it align with early literacy expectations?
Figure 6: Guidance for Principals: Providing Feedback to Teachers
(Tennessee Department of Education, n.d.)Review the following document on Feedback (Figure 6).
Watch the video on Effective Feedback (Figure 7).
As a leader how would you conduct a pre/post conference for a planned observation?
Have you experienced pre/post conferences that truly help you improve? Does the evaluator follow-up? Do they provide you with resources or examples?
How would you provide meaningful resources to help support the teacher?
Figure 7: Effective Feedback
(AITSL, 2017)The document from the International Literacy Association (Figure 8) outlines ways principals support literacy in the classroom.
On the D2L discussion board post a response to the following questions under the post titled Principal as Literacy Leaders.
What were your takeaways from the article?
How does this change your thinking on the role of the principal?
Figure 8: Principals as Literacy Leaders
(International Literacy Association, 2019)References