Best Practices in Literacy Instruction (#1)
““A variety of reading assessments play an important role in assisting the teacher in providing the correct form of instruction to each of the students in the class. Types of reading assessments include screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, and outcome assessments. Some of these are used before, during, and after the reading process. Teacher observations also provide the necessary information needed to make instructional decisions, as do regular consultations with reading specialists and/or reading coaches who utilize assessment data to inform instructional decisions””
Educators having an expanding toolbox of understandings is essential in reaching every learner. Instructional differentiation and differentiated assessments become a necessity in diverse populations, and can give all learners a multitude of opportunities to learn and grow. In literacy, this become extremely important due to those specific skills used in everyday occurrences and diverse situations. This year brings many differences, one in particular being me running the reading interventions for my 8th grade team. In that, I will be working closely with our literacy coach in ways to implement a variety of literacy instructions and assessments for my learners. I will be relying on constructive feedback in my instructional practices and assessments so I can continue to master this craft of working with our at-risk learners.
When discussing observations, I believe feedback is vital for educators just as feedback is vital for our learners. This is my first year not having to be observed by my principal, which has been helpful for me these last three years. In my school, we are required to observe our peers and give feedback. These opportunities to observe one another and give meaningful feedback is valuable to both parties, as it naturally causes reflection.
Gambrell, L. B. & Morrow, L.M. (2015). Best practices in literacy instruction. (5th ed. ). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.