#INspirEDlit
Vol. 11
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow...
Janelle Cox from TeachHUB has shared these strategies for getting students back on track and engaged after the holidays:
1. Set End-of-Year Goals: Just like we set new year's goals for ourselves, our students can too! There are many ways to involve students in setting a few realistic goals and creating rewards when goals are met.
2. Embrace Technology: Instead of taking a break from technology, have students embrace it to remain focused and indulge their impulse to use technology.
3. Divert Students with a Brain Break: Help students get back into routine slowly by allowing time for quick brain breaks. For elementary educators, check out GoNoodle or Youtube's The Learning Station. Secondary educators may consider doing Yoga, letting students walk the track, or giving students a few moments to socialize.
4. Give Students Time to Share: Carve out time for students to share about their winter break, so they can refocus on learning. Try turning this holiday enthusiasm into an educational experience involving writing.
5. Re-Establish Rules and Routines: Review or even amend rules and routines depending on what your class needs. Now is a great time!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if you need guidance, have questions, or would like support in any way. Your IDOE Literacy Team is dedicated to working for you and all Indiana students.
Literacy Framework Phase II
In phase I of the Literacy Framework, Hoosier educators created and developed I can statements, question stems, and academic vocabulary. In phase II, we will be working on creating and developing practical examples for each literacy standard.
When
K-2 Educators/Coaches: Thursday, January 17, 2019
3-5 Educators/Coaches: Friday, January 18, 2019
6-8 Educators/Coaches: Thursday, January 31, 2019
9-12 Educators/Coaches: Friday, February 1, 2019
Where
Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP)
11025 E 25th St, Indianapolis, IN 46229
What Time
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you are interested and available in participating in these Phase II work groups, please complete this form.
Ideas & Insight
Are "Just Right" Books Benefiting our Students?
Let all kids read the good stuff.
EdWeek reporter Susan Pimentel shares research that shows matching kids to books does not guarantee big learning gains. Placing students into reading groups according to their "just right" books means often times students are receiving below grade-level texts that do not require students to decipher unfamiliar vocabulary, confront challenging concepts, or parse new and complicated language.
Noted literacy researcher Timothy Shanahan has written extensively about why this is the wrong approach, documenting that “after 70 years there still isn’t any research supporting the idea of matching kids to just-right texts” after 1st grade—yet still the practice persists. This, despite research showing that the ability to handle complex text is the distinguishing characteristic between students who go on to do well in college and work and those who don’t.
Shanahan suggests:
1. To place students with different levels of books when practicing paired reading.
2. Place students in different books when their reading levels lag far behind.
3. Don't fractionate your class with so many different levels that you cannot provide much instruction. Groups are necessary, but the fewer the better.
Book Recommendations
I am Martin Luther King, Jr.
No matter how hard the struggle, we must fight for what is right and work to change what is wrong.
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
King scholar—Clayborne Carson, constructed a remarkable first-person account of Dr. King's extraordinary life.
Chasing King's Killer
by James L. Swanson
Lexile: 1010L
Swanson hones in on James Earl Ray, a bizarre, racist, prison escapee who tragically ends King's life.
Community Spotlight
Nominated Educator: Renee Bowman
-Anonymous Colleague
We are looking for amazing educators who inspire through their teaching, collaboration, and leadership. Want to nominate an awesome educator at your school?
Indiana Literacy Early Intervention Grant (EIG) Reminders
Cash Request Deadline: June 1, 2019
Encumber Deadline: September 30, 2019
Liquidate Deadline: December 5, 2019
Final Report of Expenditures Deadline: January 21, 2020
All EIG forms and more information can be found on the IDOE EIG webpage.
Textbook Adoption: What does this mean for your school?
With so many curricula and programs, how do you know which one is right for your educators and students? Ed Reports shares how to Build Capacity and Consensus Through a Teacher-led Materials Adoption and Selecting Great Materials is Not Enough.
For research-based reviews and comparisons, check out:
Literacy & Tech: Thought of the Month!
Book Snaps are a fantastic way to engage students in using the Book Creator program. Watch educator Tara Martin's how-to here.
Connect on Twitter!
1. Tweet about what you are excited for this year using #INspirEDlit
2. Follow the hashtag and connect with other coaches and educators!
Rose Tomishima
Meet Angel Hunt
Angel is transitioning from her previous role as a Federal Grants Specialist to the Secondary Literacy and ELA Specialist with Indiana Department of Education. Angel served Indiana as a teacher for 15+ years, professional development and e-Lead presenter, PBIS committee member, RTI data coordinator, mentor and lead teacher, student teacher supervisor, curriculum mapping committee member, textbook adoption team member, and AdvancEd steering committee member.
Angel Hunt
Angel earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, PK-12 Administration, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment, and Evaluation. Professionally and personally, Angel thoroughly enjoys teaching and serving in the field of education, which she hopes will be reflected in her work for IDOE and Indiana school districts.