Improving Academic Literacy

This 3 semester learning series covers three components with each one being a pre-requisite before advancing to the next component:

  1. Student Engagement

  2. Academic Vocabulary (engagement pre-req.)

  3. Critical Thinking & Comprehension (engagement & vocab pre-reqs.)

The project's goals are to familiarize with and implement research-based literacy strategies that will increase student achievement for ALL learners.

The project focuses on working with a team of "master teachers" from each school to combine research-based strategies with implementation, feedback and coaching.

Building administrators will invite master teachers based on their expertise, leadership abilities and their willingness to be observed and give/receive feedback.

(Grades 4-12, What Works Clearinghouse)

IES Practice Guide, Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practices. (Kamil, et al., May, 2014)

This practice guide presents five recommendations that are supported by research. The NAEP data discussed in the overview make it clear that many adolescents lack the robust literacy skills they need for success in school and in the workplace. Many of these students can benefit tremendously when their classroom teachers adjust their instruction in ways that this practice guide recommends. The first four recommendations provide evidence-based strategies that can usually be implemented by regular classroom teachers, those who teach content areas to students.

  1. Provide Explicit Vocabulary Instruction an Use of Academic Language.

  2. Provide Direct and Explicit Comprehension Strategy Instruction.

  3. Provide Opportunities for Extended Discussion of Text Meaning and Interpretation.

  4. Increase Student Motivation and Engagement in Literacy Learning.

  5. Make Available Intensive and Individualized Interventions for Struggling Readers that can by provided by Trained Specialists.

All five Recommendations
improving academic literacy logo

To Learn More About How To Bring This Customized PD To Your School Contact:

danette brown, professional learning specialist, contact at danette.brown@k12.nd.us

brandie ulland, professional learning specialist, contact at brandie.ulland@k12.nd.us

Testimonials

"To be a part of the Improving Academic Literacy Project has been a privilege and I am extremely thankful that my principal realized the impact this project will have on our school. I foresee some wonderful changes in our school--full of collaboration, engagement and student growth. Thank you to SEEC and Dr. Feldman for this wonderful opportunity!" - Anonymous

"Thank you so much for such an amazing PD opportunity! We have done two of our own school-wide Learning Walks and are planning a third. Next year, our principal plans to have another group participate in the project. The Academic Literacy Project has been a career changing opportunity." - Anonymous

"I absolutely loved the content addressed and can't wait to implement it." - Anonymous

"Beginning this class at the start of school was very beneficial to me and my students. The changes I made to my instruction are quite significant and have benefitted my students and I think they've increased students' math vocabulary knowledge which in turn increases their understanding of the concepts and lessons. Thank you so much for the phenomenal instruction in vocabulary instruction." - 4th Grad ELA & Math Teacher

"Fantastic. Reinforces all things students need to succeed. Love the strategies and resources provided." - Secondary Teacher, West Fargo High School

"I enjoyed every bit of this training and found it all to be very beneficial to bettering my professional career." - Middle School Teacher , Milnor Public School