My latest literacy read was Cris Tovani's book on assessment that informs teaching and learning. She talks a lot about what we know is vital to student achievement; formative assessments matter most! When formative assessments are given along the way, they help teachers know what students need and also give students ideas on how to improve. Assessment needs to be personalized to the classroom so that they can serve instructional practice and enhance engagement and achievement. Assessments need to serve students first.
Intentional planning around sound instructional practices matters. Giving students ample time and opportunities in all classrooms to engage in authentic reading, writing and discussing should happen daily in each of our schools. Teachers should model their thinking and provide scaffolding. Students should be exposed to compelling pieces of text for them to read and write about. Teaching them how to become better readers, writers and thinkers depends upon creating a positive, collaborative environment where kids are willing to do the work.
As we focus our efforts on intentional planning and an inquiry-based approach and if we do this well, by listening to teach instead of talking to teach, students should be just as exhausted as teachers at the end of the day-- and just as brilliant! The workshop model gives teachers a way to organize instruction and assessment so that students are the ones doing the work. It ensures that whoever is doing the reading, writing and talking is doing the most learning.
The 3-day literacy institute will be rigorous and empowering. I look forward to learning and leading alongside each of you as we continue on our literacy journey to positively impact the lives of our students in @WaukeshaSchools.
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