A Love of Literacy
Volume 1, Issue 1 | February 2018
Instructional Methodology Alignment
What an exciting time to be a teacher of reading and writing! In this newsletter, we aim to showcase the best practices PUSD teachers are using via the Workshop model to teach reading and writing, as well as science, math, and other disciplines. We also aim to serve as a resource for fellow elementary and secondary colleagues who wish to delve more deeply in a particular aspect of this methodology of instruction.
Our first issue takes a closer look at differentiated instruction and its application in a workshop setting. We need to be a student of each of our student's learning. Then, we can decide the best course of differentiated instruction: conferring or any of a variety of small group instruction structures, such as guided reading, strategy groups, book clubs, literature circles, etc.
We've been on quite a journey over the last few of years, as we embrace the notion that we are ALL teachers of literacy, regardless of content. Elementary teachers led the way, and now, many secondary teachers are shifting his/her instructional methodology and utilizing the workshop model to better meet students' needs. We are very excited to continue on this pathway of professional development, and we look forward to building on this work with you all.
*Above: Marshall teachers collaborate to deliver a minilesson in a lab classroom at Muir HS.
High Fives for our Colleagues!
We are all learners. Teachers, coaches, and administrators. We work to foster a love learning. Below are some examples of our PUSD colleagues engaging in professional development, with a focus on differentiation so that we can meet each student at his/her level and move them forward.
Conferring with a Writer
Complimenting a Writer's Strengths
Finding a Just-Right Book
Determining Next Steps
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Studying Student Work
And below are our coaches and administrators
engaged in PD to develop instructional leadership!
Engaging in Instructional Rounds
Leading the Learning
Working Side-by-Side
Food 4 Thought: Differentiating via a Strategy Group
Food 4 Thought: Differentiating via a Reading Conference
PUSD Curriculum
- Scope & Sequences (for various grade levels & subjects)
- Unit Overviews
- Assessment Calendars
- Literacy Implementation Guides
- Other resources including Launch Units, Performance Tasks, and ancillary materials to support the facilitation of Reading and Writing Workshop
We invite you to check these other resources out!
We will continue to add to this list over time...
- Two Writing Teachers: https://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/
- Heinemann: http://www.heinemann.com/blog/
- Scholastic: http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-ideas
A Love of Literacy is brought to you by the Curriculum, Instruction & Professional Development department.
Our Purpose
The Pasadena Unified School District’s Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development department is driven by a commitment to prepare our students for college and career opportunities. We support student success by developing and refining curriculum, in conjunction with providing professional growth opportunities to our staff to ensure quality instruction for every child.Email: cipd@pusd.us
Website: tinyurl.com/cipdpusd
Phone: 626.396.3600