How can we (we three at my school) make an impact on our students' reading levels? Well, with improbable funding, we put our heads together (with lots of help from Barb). Here's a look at some of the things we came up with:
1. An advertising campaign with four segments.
A. Presentation to the faculty on how improving the teaching of reading will help classroom teachers.
B. Student-friendly posters on reading for the hallways.
C. Posters for each subject area faculty workroom on Top 12 Things I Bet You Didn't Know About
Reading.
D. Videos shown on school's televisions about reading.
2. A survey (either paper or with Survey Monkey) to determine teachers' feelings on reading.
3. Analysis of survey data with a possible second survey to "tweak" feelings on reading.
4. Begin working with "at-risk" seniors during advisement times.
Will this help? We don't know, but we hope it's a start. Once we get things actually going, we will report. It just feels so good to feel that we WILL make a difference. And those in middle schools, maybe you would like to try this at your school?
I believe we are on the cusp of a very effective initiative. Phase 1 is ready to go!
ReplyDeleteDoc,
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to add a special prayer time... Just kidding! You will make this work! I do have one question, why working with seniors at risk during advisement? Why not any struggling reader? Is it because of the magnitude and trying to build a foundation with small steps? Whatever the case, I applaud your efforts.
Doc, take a look at the packet Dr. Neslin gave us from the Content Literacy Conference. Look at the 2nd or 3rd presentation (transcript followed by the powerpoint used in the presentation). He gives actual examples of how the various subject areas can teach literacy since each discipline is very different.
ReplyDeleteDoc, I can't wait to see your results. Yes, we would like to try your suggestions at WMSE. Please keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI think the video will be received well by all. Our students enjoy watching the Book Fair video. Over the years, I have noticed that students purchase more books from the authors describing their recent novels. The students make a connection with the author and with the characters in the book. It is very rewarding to see students rushing to the Book Fair for their favorite authors' newest novels.