Purpose:
- Select a Common Core Literacy resource for use in all K-5 classrooms
Basis for Establishment:
- Student achievement in the area of reading has shown a decline over the last three to five years
- The Bellingham School District has engaged in the National Response to Intervention Initiative, which is a literacy-based initiative focused on effective core instruction as the first tier of instruction.
- All kindergarten through fifth grade teachers were surveyed in spring 2010 and results indicated a lack of resources, consistency and a need for support
- Research in highly effective schools and districts demonstrate a need for a shared vision and common alignment of instructional practice
Decision Making:
- Consultative to the Director of Curriculum and Instructional Technology by committee members using the processes of consensus and input/feedback to provide a recommendation
- Consultative work via Literacy Steering Committee, Literacy Advisory Committee, Administrative Team and via surveys to all elementary staff.
Timeline:
- October 2010: Waver Day engage all K-5 staff in introduction to Common Core Standards and a need for district alignment
- October-December 2010: Steering Committee meets with all potential resource company representatives
- January 2011: Potential resource options shared with Administrative Team, Literacy Advisory Committee
- January-June: Bellingham Literacy Information Posts (BLIPs) with updates, current research and links for potential resources sent via e-mail to all elementary staff and A-BLIPS (Administrative Bellingham Literacy Information Posts) shared at monthly administrative meetings
- January-June 2011: Literacy Advisory Facilitators meet with all involved departments and committees (ELL, SPED, Title I, RtI, Parent Advisory, Assessment Department)
- January-June 2011: Regular and ongoing surveys conducted of elementary staff to determine universal understanding, need and priorities
- January-May 2011: Subcommittees research:
- Comprehensive assessment comparing the Benchmark Assessment System and the Developmental Reading Assessment 2nd Edition
- Leveled bookrooms across the district considering quality, quantity, use and needs
- February2011: Literacy Advisory Committee previews potential resources and determines alignment to Bellingham School District constructivist philosophy of balanced literacy
- February 2011: District Open House for all elementary staff to preview materials and discuss with Literacy Advisory Facilitators
- March 2011: Waver Day engage all K-5 staff in previewing materials with vendor representatives present for question and answer
- March 2011: Share information with Parent Advisory Council
- April 2011: Literacy Advisory Committee researches effectiveness of potential resources in other districts via phone calls, e-mails and site visits
- April 2011: Final sales presentation to the Literacy Advisory Committee of potential resources resulting in recommendation to Director of Curriculum
- April 2011: Families invited to preview selected resources
- May 2011: Recommendation shared with administrators and submitted to Superintendent for the approval process
Committee Members:
Literacy Advisory Facilitators: Two teachers facilitate adoption process and renewed focus on literacy
Literacy Steering Committee: Six teachers, three administrators and Curriculum Department Teacher on Special Assignment
Literacy Advisory Committee: A minimum of two representatives from each elementary school with representation from primary, intermediate, special education, district literacy or Title I literacy specialist
Responsibilities of Committee Members:
- Regular meeting attendance
- Communicate the content of the meetings and gather input from school staff as requested by the committee
- Respectful and collaborative interactions with committee members
Communications:
- Communicate the purpose of the committee to district
- Committee members serve as key communicators for the groups they represent
- Post pertinent information on the district website
- Use regular and ongoing surveys to communicate information and gather input
- Provide monthly newsletters with current research and status of literacy adoption
- Use district communication process to inform stakeholders of committee outcomes
Specific Meeting Schedule:
- Meet during the school year
- Literacy Advisory dates: 9/28, 10/7 Waiver Day, 2/15, 3/29, 4/18
- Others scheduled as needed
Budget Implications:
- Instructional materials
- Support for staff to meet, including release time, printing, etc.
- Common Core Curriculum Resource meetings
- Revising and updating Literacy Guide
- Evaluating and Assessing Leveled Libraries across the district
- Comparing comprehensive assessments
- Support for creation of electronic online access to revised Literacy Guide.
- Professional development for district staff regarding common core resource, alignment and balanced literacy.
Related Document:
March 31, 2011: K-5 Parent Advisory