This document outlines the journey of implementing content area literacy at J.R. Gerritts Middle School over three phases. Phase 1 focused on getting science and social studies teachers to understand reading strategies and integrate them into lessons. Phase 2 looked at collecting data to measure the impact and focus on determining importance. Phase 3 brought more clarity to curriculum by unpacking strategies, teaching for mastery, and connecting to Common Core standards. The school is looking to measure student growth and differentiate instruction in Phase 4. Support from administration, collaboration among teachers, and dedicating time have been essential to the process.
5. Preparing to Begin the Journey We have found a successful approach requires: Committing to content area literacy as a priority Recognizing the importance of providing coaching support, resources and time Identifying where staff is at and setting an appropriate, achievable goal
6. PHASE 1 “I’m not a Language Arts Teacher” Focus on… Setting a purpose prior to reading Understanding reading/thinking strategies Integrating pre, during and post reading strategies
7. Thinking Strategies Monitoring for Meaning Using and Creating Schema Questioning Determining Importance Visualizing Inferring Synthesizing
8. PHASE 1 “I’m not a Language Arts Teacher” Focus on… Setting a purpose prior to reading Understanding reading/thinking strategies Integrating pre, during and post reading strategies
11. PHASE 2 “Is this making a difference?” Focus on… Sustaining previous content literacy work Collecting data to determine overall impact Identifying an area of focus – determining importance
13. PHASE 3 “Bringing Clarity to our Curriculum” Focus on… Unpacking thinking/reading strategies Teaching for student mastery Connecting to the Common Core Improving our assessment
15. Determining Importance Use text structures to aid in determining what information may be of value Determine what may and may not be valid information Sift important ideas from interesting/less relevant details Use strategies to hold important thinking Construct main ideas from gathered information
21. Common Core – Standard 2 Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
22. Looking Ahead: PHASE 4 Focus on… Measuring individual student growth and planning for differentiation Using student learning data to reflect on and then refine instruction Examining the critical elements of guided instruction Expanding the content area literacy focus to health, computer education and tech. education
23. Things to Remember Content is important Collaboration is key Support is essential Time is crucial Time to learn and time to implement Celebrate the successes Remain student focused
24. Questions? Scott Ott Social Studies Teacher – Grade 8 sott@kimberly.k12.wi.us Shannon Peterson Science Teacher – Grade 8 speterson@kimberly.k12.wi.us Dave Lamers Assistant Principal djlamers@kimberly.k12.wi.us Jenny Thompson Literacy Resource Teacher jthompson@kimberly.k12.wi.us
![About J. R. Gerritts ,[object Object],317 Students in Grade 7 + 347 Students in Grade 8 = 664 Total ,[object Object], Students with Disabilities – Approx 10% Economically Disadvantaged – Approx 15% English Language Learner – Approx 2% ,[object Object], 60 Minute CORE classes & 45 Minute Academy Classes](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)