You are all In Orbit

You have all "taken off" with the Gradual Release (of Responsibility) Model or GRM. Your EXIT SLIPS from the last PLC are evidence that you are now orbiting the district literacy model via planning, instruction, interventions, assessment and evaluation following the GRM format. We want to perfect our skills though through continued practice and collaboration. This week, via email attachment, I will be sharing ways West teachers are using GRM in the classroom and demonstrating it within the district literacy model. Here are a couple pictures from Shawn's class to illustrate the GRM in the PE classroom:

Modeling: I do, you watch: (Note Shawn's person fitness plan beside him - literacy in the weight room.)

Shared: I do, you help:(Note students with their personal fitness plans in hand.)

Guided: You do, I help:
Independent: You do, I watch:

To sum up the district literacy model:
READING and WRITING are the KEYS to LITERACY with the GRM as the format for instruction. Reading and Writing will be taught most effectively through AUTHENTIC, or real-to-life based activities...

(ask Jay about his SODAS),

supported by purposeful SPEAKING AND LISTENING (Listen! Get me out of here - I have a class to teach.)

Teachers will provide PURPOSEFUL INSTRUCTION based on core standards, paving the way to understanding through WORD STUDY and CRITICAL THINKING skills. (Scott helps students think critically about their economic future. Can you advise us, too, Scott?)
Student achievement will increase by using ongoing formative ASSESSMENTS to drive our instruction in orbit around the literacy model: PLANNING, delivery of INSTRUCTION, (Susi delivers instruction.)

formative ASSESSMENTS providing for (Damien assesses student effort.)

intervention and enrichment (Ty's intervention and enrichment plan includes hoops and balls), and EVALUATION for planning subsequent instruction. SEE Salem-Keizer Literacy Model.

A fabulous resource which will support you in your subject areas is the district Assessment for Learning newsletter. Ed has just emailed us the February 2009 issue - Making Core Standards Work for YOU. The issue focuses on interdisciplinary skills that are inherent in the district lit model such as “metacognition—or getting students to think about their thinking. (Kara thinks aloud.) This critical skill is embedded into every subject an educator teaches.” From Jon Yoder, District Science Coordinator, “The literacy model of gradual release of teacher-centered instruction parallels the [scientific] inquiry model of direct, guided, and open inquiry. (Students inquire openly, "Is this all there is to it?") From your math specialists comes,

“Helping students develop critical thinking skills related to mathematical ideas and concepts are vital interdependent skills which strengthen literacy skills and learning across all content areas.” Please read this issue cover to cover. The TIPS are keepers!