Literacy

The Literacy department can provide a number of services to NWESD member districts.  We can expand on or customize any of the areas listed below for your particular needs. Please contact the Literacy Coordinator to find out how we can help you and your school or district.
 
Our current topics include:

Reading System Gap Analysis
District teams complete a systematic review of the curriculum assessment instruction and intervention components of their K-12 reading system. Research in evidence-based practice, district data, and district curriculum documents guide the review, and provide evidence of strengths and opportunities for growth (gaps). Analysis and prioritization of the gaps provides focus for future action planning.

Deep Alignment
Deep Alignment is much different than topical or a "first glance" type of alignment. Deep Alignment refers to the congruence of the content, context, and cognitive demands present in the written, taught, and tested curriculum. This is a hands-on workshop that looks deeply at all these qualities. Teachers are asked to bring their classroom reading instructional materials to use in the implementation of these practices.

Reading Adoptions
We support district teams with their reading adoptions by providing facilitation and consultation services

Adolescent Literacy
We are offering the opportunity for secondary teachers to expand their knowledge about reading and the nature of academic literacy across subject areas in order to improve students' learning of topics that "reside at the heart of a discipline." NWESD delivers quality interactive workshops that show teachers how to use research and strategies that emphasize student success in reading in all content areas (grades 4-12). We can customize on-site professional development in your schools or districts, or teams from your school/district may attend on-going professional development sessions at NWESD with additional on-site coaching available.

Word Study and Academic Vocabulary Instruction
We offer the opportunity for teachers to add to their knowledge about word study and academic vocabulary instruction using a practical, evidence-based approach. Vocabulary knowledge plays a critical role as students develop their reading ability and begin to encounter an increasing number of unknown, multi-syllabic words, especially in the content areas. We can customize on-site professional development in your schools or districts, or teams from your school/district may attend on-going professional development sessions at NWESD with additional on-site coaching available.
 
Reading Foundations
We are offering the opportunity for teachers to add to their knowledge about foundations of reading and reading instruction. Join us for workshops that overview concepts and practices supported by reading science, differences between proficient and poor readers, and components of effective instruction while providing engaging connections to the classroom. Topics include: how children learn to read; oral language, vocabulary, and comprehension; phoneme awareness, phonics, and reading fluency; and classroom connections.

Dyslexia: An Introduction
Dispelling myths and providing accurate information about dyslexia and its related disorders is the goal of this introductory workshop available to educators, administrators, and parents. Interested participants will gain an understanding of the nature of dyslexia and how it may manifest itself in our students.

Literacy Leadership Network
Join other literacy leaders in the region in a collegial environment to share the latest evidence-based reading research, learn from each other, and keep up-to-date on what’s happening in literacy in the state. We meet several times throughout the year; teacher-leaders, coaches, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Go to the Regional Support page for more detailed information.

Teaching Writing Effectively
Expand your knowledge on effective writing instruction and its connection to quality assessments. Join us for a series of workshops which will overview research-based concepts and practices. Topics include: Six-trait assessment review; writing process review; connecting process, traits, and instruction; modes of writing; and classroom connections. We can also customize professional development on-site at your school/district so that teachers can apply what they learn in the classroom, collaborate with other teachers, and refine how they teach.
 
RTI/K-12 Reading Model
Best if attended as a school or district team. This course provides an overview of RTI (Response to Intervention) and demonstrates its application in the K-12 Reading Model. Besides the systems' alignment, the major components and research behind both will be addressed. Teams will have collaborative time to explore tools and plan.