Read News
November 9, 2015
In this edition you will find:
- Resources for Boosting Tier 1 Instruction
- Key Assessment Chart Revisions and Reminders
- Parent Involvement and Communication
- New State READ Plans: Version 1 vs. Version 2
- Kinder PALS Updates
- Online Form to Submit READ/Enrich Questions to the READ Team
- Important Links to District and PALS Resources and Archived READ Newsletters
High Leverage Strategies for Boosting Tier I Instruction
There are many aspects of strong core instruction and the resources we provide are not all inclusive. The resources do provide some key look-fors for School Leaders and Teaching Partners that can be used when collecting data and reflecting on classroom practices.
Instructional Coordinators, ELA Consultants, and MTSS Partners can provide support as needed so please communicate any needs with us.
Essential Elements of Guided Reading
Meaning-based Approaches to Literacy (menu)
Elements/Steps of Co-Constructed Text
Word Study:
You will see word study embedded in the Elements of Guided Reading and in the Elements of Co-Constructed Text. We are offering a Word Study Course of Study starting in January. Please view this Flyer Link for more information and register early as space is limited.
Key Assessment Chart Revisions and Reminders
Based on feedback and questions that came to the READ Team, we have revised the wording on a small portion of the Key Assessment Chart.
In the second column, it now reads: If the student is still below the cut score(s) after 30 days of classroom-based intervention and progress monitoring, review progress monitoring and screener data with a team of educators. Create a READ Plan using all data in collaboration with your school’s MTSS Team and parent(s).
Please submit any questions, concerns or feedback you have related to the Key Assessment Chart below.
- For students in grades 1-3, the timeline to complete any diagnostic testing for students who may need a READ Plan is November 13th. This timeline was created based on the state guidelines for completing screener and diagnostic assessments. Please refer to the Key Assessment Chart as needed to confirm deadlines and expectations for READ Testing.
Parent involvement in Creating a READ Plan
1) The school's MTSS Team can invite the parents when they meet to look at data and create the plan. Please talk to your MTSS Partner if you have questions about this option.
2) Conduct a phone conference before/during/after school to review the plan and create the at-home reading plan.
3) Meet with the parent before or after school to review the plan and create the at-home reading plan.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the online question form at the bottom of this newsletter or reach out to your Teaching Partner, MTSS Partner, School Leader, or Instructional Coordinator.
New State READ Plans: Version 1 vs. Version 2
- If you have already updated any existing READ Plans, you do not need to re-create in the new version. They can stay in version 1 until the goals need to be revised again.
- If you need to update an existing READ Plan, you can still copy and paste any goals that will remain into the new plan in version 2 and update any goals as needed.
Creating a READ Plan: Revised Help Sheet
Updating a READ Plan: Revised Help Sheet
A Note from Lori Stack:
As teachers work on READ Plans, particularly the most recent version, many are asking questions and requesting support. Please let me know when your school has building or team meetings around the development of these plans and I would be happy to come out and provide assistance in this process. I am available to provide Enrich training around actions, comments and progress monitoring of READ Plans.
KINDER PALS UPDATES
In order to reduce the amount of PALS testing for Kindergarten teachers, they will not need to complete any PALS testing using Form C during the Winter testing window which opens in January. As long as all Kinder students are tested using Form B before the December 18th deadline, they will NOT need to use Form C at all this year. The PALS online system will automatically switch to Form C after December 18th for grades 1-3.
- Teachers will need to administer ALL required assessments according to PALS for Kinder students to receive a cut score. This is different than the number of required screener assessments for students in grades 1-3. Please refer to the Administration Guide for more details and let us know if you have any questions.
Submit your questions here
READ Act Team
- Elementary Literacy
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Accountability & Research
- Exceptional Student Services
- English Language Acquisition
- Lori Stack, Data Coordinator
- Kimberly Hartnett-Edwards and Shelli Deaguero, Elementary Literacy Instructional Coordinators