Schoolwide Approach Raises Achievement

By Author: Alex Armas
Total Articles: 74
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This study adds to the evidence that a schoolwide approach to content literacy instruction is an effective way for raising achievement. The four school-wide approaches selected by the school-based LLT are not new, but they are effective. As Shanahan and Shanahan (2008) noted, discipline-specific literacy is built on basic and intermediate (generic) literacy skills. Given the profile of the students at Western, it seemed reasonable to focus on intermediate and generic skills that could be integrated into all classes.

For many secondary schools, the problem is not the development of such a plan but rather the implementation of the plan. This formative experiment provides a glimpse into the workings of one high school over a two-and-a-half year period as the teachers worked to build students' literacy habits. In reality, the plan had to Replica Tag Heuer be changed a number of times to address the needs of the school. For example, evidence-based recommendations for professional development center on teacher-to-teacher implementation. While ...
... this was certainly the goal at Western, we quickly realized that the leadership team needed resources to effectively engage their peers in adult learning situations. We also had to modify the plan to account for student behavioral concerns and the number of new teachers starting at the school each year.

This study also points to the number of ways that school wide plans for improving student achievement can be sidetracked and sabotaged. Lack of support from the administrative team was a problem at Western; other schools will be forced to address similar or related challenges. Having said that it is important to note the significant changes in achievement realized at Western as a result of purposeful integration of content literacy instruction. Interestingly, the changes extended beyond what can be measured by state tests. Students at Western read more and better Omega Replica Watches than ever before. They engaged with their teachers at levels not previously witnessed. At the outset, the teachers at Western wanted freedom from state mandates, which they understood could only be attained by meeting AYR Through hard work and personal change, this freedom was realized.