Texas Reading Initiative

Priority Two:        Provide a model for staff development to other districts through distance learning capabilities.   Training Model      The Academics 2000 reading grant award is currently helping Allen educators develop a reading curriculum that ensures all students are successful readers.  The two districts are utilizing web facilitated learning and two-way interactive video technology to access training opportunities led by experts from across the United States. The grant’s priorities focus on developing classroom strategies using the Project Read and Guided Reading programs, and improving intervention classroom curriculum.        Mentors for each area of the grant will facilitate future staff development in each reading area:      Phonology  Fluency Word Study   Comprehension Written Expression  Grades K-3 Project Read Phonology Guided Reading Making Words Project Read Story Form Project Read Report Form Project Read Written   Expression Grades 4-6 Project Read Linguistics Literacy Circles Vocabulary Development Project Read Report Form Shared Inquiry Project Read Written   Expression Accelerated Reading for At-risk Students   Alphabetic Phonics Guided Reading Dysgraphia Training   Project Read Written Expression

Training Components 1.  Shared Learning-Teachers take part in frequent, relevant and continuous professional development that focuses on the implementation of good classroom reading instruction that meets the needs of all students. ü   Mentors selected to share information team planning meetings co-teaching sessions (within district and via teleconference) ü    Monthly mentor meetings established to foster   training techniques collaboration between classrooms Return to Top... 2.  Guided- Teachers have time to work with and to consult each other, to visit each other’s classrooms and to make instructional decisions that improve the coordination of instruction from one grade level to the next.  Mentors and Instructional Designers are available to coach new and less experienced teachers. ü      Mentors trained to present information in-service workshops (live and teleconference ) monthly videoconference lessons to model program strategies and foster integration of concepts into classroom curriculum ü      Videotape library established to provide information program concepts and strategies presented by author monthly videoconference lessons co-teaching sessions Return to Top... 3.  Independent Learning- Teachers have professional tools such as videotapes, manuals and professional journals to support the retention of staff development methodologies and training. Teachers have professional tools such as videotapes, manuals and professional journals to support the retention of staff development methodologies and training. ü      Teacher materials to further implementation scope and sequence   program manuals   lesson plan guides ü      Instructional materials to further implementation multi-sensory teaching aids leveled books reading web site Return to Top...

Training Resources

Phonology Osborn, J. and Fran Lehr. (1998)  Literacy For All.  The Guilford Press.  New York, NY. Additional Resources      Word Study Four Blocks. Patricia Cunninghan and Dorothy Hall, Box 7266 WFU, Winston Salem, NC 27109 Additional Resources      Fluency Read*Right*Now. (1997) U.S Department of Education, America Reads Challenge Additional Resources     Comprehension Beck, I., M.G, McKeown, and R.L. Hamilton. (1997) Questioning the Author:  An Approach for Enhancing Student Engagement With Text.  Newark, NJ:  International Reading Association Additional Resources      Written Expression You Can Help Your Child with Reading and Writing (1994)  Edinfo Press, P.). Box 5247, Bloomington, IN 47407   (800) 925-7853 Additional Resources

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Staff Development