This blog contains the collective wisdom of past and present participants registered in the Leadership Development series titled: Leading Through Quality Literacy Programming: A Reflective Tool. This blog's purpose is to explore multiple perspectives to deepen and expand your thinking around quality literacy programming.
In order to lead others you need to be clear about what you believe...
So what are your 'a-ha' moments of quality literacy instruction? Have you achieved clarity around your beliefs? How will you continue to champion quality literacy instruction?
My aha moment is that literacy instruction encompasses far more than just reading and writing. It is something woven throughout the subjects and in the philosophy of your school. It is also important to look at your local context as you evaluate whether or not you are successfully implementing literacy instruction. Resources, supports, parental support, etc... are different at different schools.
The 3 E's apply to teachers as well. You need to engage everyone in this work especially in Div 3 and 4 in order to reinforce that Literacy is in all subjects. Find your high flyers, let them fly. Find the science teacher who is on board, the math teacher and work with them so they can help move others fwd. Be brave!
My first 'a-ha' moment (of many that I've had during these sessions) occurred when the first part of the QLPT was shared, re: school culture! The QLPT confirmed my beliefs regarding literacy and supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families and community members. I was very relieved and thankful that school culture was included in this document. In addition, the remaining components of the QLPT confirmed many of the practices, strategies, resources and information that I share with educators within our district. However, the QLPT has provided me with a framework that I will use when having conversations with educators and identifying strengths and challenges of the school and/or classroom community. I would like to work on gathering resources, supports and information to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families and community members in the 'sample strategies/supports' column. This will help me when having conversations on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit School Plans! Thank you Mary for the many 'a-ha' moments!
Literacy is something everyone knows intimately and therefore have a deep connection to. It is so important to value the approach that each individual brings from their experiences and perceptions. Some are eager to share their opinions and others are reluctant, but I know everyone has an opinion. It is crucial to get every member involved in an educational team, to ensure buy in. Buy in is the key to moving practice forward for the benefit of students. If teacher engagement leads to student engagement, then perhaps it stands to reason that teacher buy in leads to student buy in. Student improvement is our goal after all.
My aha moment is that literacy instruction encompasses far more than just reading and writing. It is something woven throughout the subjects and in the philosophy of your school. It is also important to look at your local context as you evaluate whether or not you are successfully implementing literacy instruction. Resources, supports, parental support, etc... are different at different schools.
ReplyDeleteThe 3 E's apply to teachers as well. You need to engage everyone in this work especially in Div 3 and 4 in order to reinforce that Literacy is in all subjects. Find your high flyers, let them fly. Find the science teacher who is on board, the math teacher and work with them so they can help move others fwd. Be brave!
My first 'a-ha' moment (of many that I've had during these sessions) occurred when the first part of the QLPT was shared, re: school culture! The QLPT confirmed my beliefs regarding literacy and supporting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families and community members. I was very relieved and thankful that school culture was included in this document. In addition, the remaining components of the QLPT confirmed many of the practices, strategies, resources and information that I share with educators within our district. However, the QLPT has provided me with a framework that I will use when having conversations with educators and identifying strengths and challenges of the school and/or classroom community. I would like to work on gathering resources, supports and information to support First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students, families and community members in the 'sample strategies/supports' column. This will help me when having conversations on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit School Plans! Thank you Mary for the many 'a-ha' moments!
ReplyDeleteLiteracy is something everyone knows intimately and therefore have a deep connection to. It is so important to value the approach that each individual brings from their experiences and perceptions. Some are eager to share their opinions and others are reluctant, but I know everyone has an opinion. It is crucial to get every member involved in an educational team, to ensure buy in. Buy in is the key to moving practice forward for the benefit of students. If teacher engagement leads to student engagement, then perhaps it stands to reason that teacher buy in leads to student buy in. Student improvement is our goal after all.
ReplyDelete