Roles of the Reading Specialist230:260

Summer, 2010

Session #1, May 11 - Introductions

IntroductionsICN SitesCohort/Non-cohort class membersWhen do you finish school?Say a little something about yourself

◦Professional Responsibilities◦Something else about you as a

literate being or teacher – a favorite book or reading experience, a reason you became a teacher, etc.

Class Schedule

May 11-June 8 – ICN, 6:00-9:00◦Guest speakers◦Small group reading & responding,

online and in ICN sessions◦Whole group debriefs

June 9-June 25: Online◦Course Content assignment pages◦Expect daily work, 4-8 hrs or

more/dayFinal Essay due July 5

Schedule Snafu – We’re working on it

Online Elements

UNI eLearning

PBworks Wiki – to be used with Final Essay

Weekly Assignments – ICN Classes “For class, read and respond - GQCQ” = Read

thoughtfully & come to class prepared to discuss. GQCQ:◦ Gist statements◦ Quotations◦ Connections◦ Questions ◦ Write all four of these? Not necessarily . . .◦ You may be given more specific directions for

particular readings.“Online” = eLearning discussion board.

◦ Discussion Groups◦ Usually includes original post (OP) and response to one

or more OPs. ◦ Specific prompts and/or GQCQ

Online Discussion Groups-Group 1 ICN Site Group 2 ICN Site

Emily C. C. Falls Jamie M. Clear Lake

Jackie McD. C. Rapids Melissa D. C. Rapids

Lindsey K. Muscatine Lorie H. Greene

Gwendolyn D. C. Rapids

Group 3 ICN Site Group 4 ICN Site

Stefanie R. C. Rapids Jennifer R. C. Rapids

Tabitha W. C. Falls Kara N. Odebolt

Laura S. Greene Kristie B. C. Falls

Group 5 ICN Site Group 6 ICN Site

Kelsi S. C. Rapids Sheila McC. C. Rapids

Korie F. C. Falls Victor E. C. Falls

Alaina D. C. Rapids Heidi M. Elgin

Assignments after June 8 - Online LessonsLocated at eLearning Course

Content.Will use Web Links and Discussion

Board as well.Same type of GQCQ responses

Final EssayChoice – Elementary or SecondaryComprehensiveScenario/simulationCollaborative – using PBworks wiki

to help each other (discussion groups)

More information next week

Overview of resources

Textbook: Reading Specialists & Literacy Coaches in the Real World (RSLC)

Professional Journal Articles & Web Sites to provide multiple perspectives and experience bases

Objectives for May 11-May18Tonight:

◦Orientation to the Class◦Acquire a general sense of who the

reading specialists are and what they do.

During the week:◦Learn and reflect on IRA professional

standards related to roles of reading specialists

◦Learn about program development and strategic planning (RSLC, chs. 2 & 3)

Who are the Reading Specialists? What do they do? (What is your Prior Knowledge?)

10-minute Mini-essay:What do think the roles of a reading

specialist might be? Develop your ideas a little bit.

What qualifications do you think are required to be a reading specialist?

What contact have you had with reading specialists? What did the specialists do with/for/to you?

What do reading specialists do?

Literacy Leadership/Facilitate Change

Professional Developmen

t

Program Developme

nt

Teaching & Assessment

Coaching

• These roles comprise strands of the course content and learning outcomes

• Another learning outcome – Envisioning yourself as a reading specialist

What do reading specialist do? According to IRA . . .Position Statement: The Role and Qualifications

of the Reading Coach in the United States (2004):

With the recent heavy focus on reading achievement at federal, state, and local levels in the United States, the role of the reading specialist has changed. Although reading specialists function in many roles, including remedial teacher, staff developer, supervisor, and mentor, the balance of their activities has shifted away from direct teaching and toward leadership and professional development roles . . . .

Qualifications as defined by IRAExcellent and experienced classroom teachersIn-depth knowledge of literacy processes,

acquisition, assessment, and instructionAccustomed to reflecting on their own practices

and making adaptations that improve instructionExcellent presentersExperience or preparation that enables them to

master the complexities of observing and modeling in classrooms and providing feedback to teachers.

Sensitive to the need to develop open, trusting relationships with teachers in order to serve effectively in a coaching role.

Qualifications as defined by Iowa Reading EndorsementReading Specialist, K-12: Same

requirements as Reading K-8 or Reading 5-12 endorsement PLUS◦ Administration & Supervision of Reading (this

course)◦ Practicum◦ Master’s Degree◦ One year’s teaching experience that includes the

teaching of readingNone of these are required for the job,

but . . .

Who Are the Reading Specialists?

Formal vs. Informal definitions of the term “specialist”

Building Level - Literacy or Reading Coach, Title One teacher, classroom teacher who has been identified as a literacy leader

District Level – Curriculum supervisor who has responsibility for Reading, Language Arts, and other literacy-related areas. May be sole responsibility or one of several.

A Word About Literacy Coaches

Same as Reading Specialist?Relatively new position – NCLBIRA = “Reading Coach”NCTE = “Literacy Coach”Joint IRA/NCTE Web Site:

Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse (We will review this web site later in the

semester)

Recent journal articles

IRA Professional StandardseLearning document includes only the first

three of these strands (Course Content/For May 18, or RSLC, Appendix J)

Five major standards, each consisting of a definition and supporting standards (“elements”)◦ Foundational Knowledge◦ Instructional Practices & Materials◦ Assessment◦ Literate Environment◦ Professional Development

IRA Professional StandardsStandards written in five strands, one for

each different level of reading professional:◦ Paraprofessional◦ Classroom Teacher◦ Reading Specialist◦ Teacher Educator◦ Administrator

Assignment for May 18: Read & Reflect on the IRA Professional Standards

Read the standards, one element at a time for each of the three strands. Then respond (GQCQ) to these questions and be prepared to share your responses in class:

What is critical for the reading specialist? Key competencies and skills? List the verbs!

If you are going to be a Reading Specialist, what do you already know, and what do you need to learn? Set some personal learning goals.

Assignment for May 17/18: Program Development & Strategic PlanningRead

◦RSLC, chs. 2 & 3◦eLearning Web Links For May 18: Two articles

from The Reading Teacher describing school programs that were shaped by a strategic planning process.

Due by May 17: Write separate GQCQ responses for each of the chapters and each of the articles on Strategic Planning

Due by class on May 18: Read through your discussion group members' responses and be prepared to share ideas from them in class discussion.

Assignment for May 17/18

Course Content/For May 18Read Discussion Board – Groups

& ExpectationsRead Syllabus (but not until

Monday)