Role of The Reading Specialist

Literacy Program Developer Problems that may be encountered –Teachers feeling overloaded. –Teachers teaching in isolation. –Groupthink which makes it hard for individuals to share their creative insights. –Teachers are not allowed to participate in the change process. –Belief that one program or approach is best.

Curriculum Development –Make sure that goals and standards are based on theory and research –Materials should reflect goals and beliefs of the school personnel. –Make sure that the lesson plans are easy to use. –Make sure that teachers beliefs and knowledge are considered and a part of the plan.

Selection of Materials –Take into account No Child Left Behind as well as Reading First. –Philosophy and needs of teachers. –Meet needs of students and goals that are set by the school district. –Technology integrated. –Prior knowledge of state and federal requirements. –Assessment materials. –Professional development.

Role of Reading Specialist in Schools, Classrooms, and Communities Leadership –Staff Development –Resources –Provide teachers with new ideas and materials –Share effective teaching strategies –Student as main focus –Be flexible –Follow through on every commitment Instruction –Plan and Collaborate With Teachers –Support Classroom instruction –Provide Specialized Support Diagnostic and Assessment –Administer and Interpret –Develop and Coordinate

Leadership of the Reading Specialist “You can accomplish much if you don’t care who gets the credit.”- Ronald Reagan Leadership is defined as any activity or a set of activities associated with working with others to accomplish a common goal: that of improving student learning, especially as related to literacy (The Reading Specialist, Rita Bean, 2009)

Five Qualifications That Contribute To Effective Leadership Ability to Communicate Teamwork Empowerment Goal Seeking Respect For Others

Ability to Communicate “Seek first to understand, then to be understood” –Covey (1989, p.235) Active Listening Stay focused on the speaker’s message. Rephrase in your own words what you heard the speaker say to test your understanding. Elicit nonverbal indications of active listening. Elaborate Do not interrupt the speaker. Clear Congruent Speaking Use first person singular pronouns. Verbal and nonverbal messages should be congruent. Get feedback about the message.

Teamwork None of us is as smart as all of us.-Blanchard, Bowles, Carew, and Parise-Carew ((2001, p.60) Bean, 2009, p.70) Make sure atmosphere as well as people are comfortable and relaxed. Work together as a unit with leadership being shared according to expertise. Group members are aware of other members values and use clear communication.

Empowerment Recognize the work of colleagues and acknowledge that they are leaders. Encourage others to participate through workshops or other areas of expertise.

Achieving Goals Make sure that the job is accomplished. Clear understanding of goal. Make sure that everyone is onboard. Appropriate resources and skills are available. Recognize all positive efforts and steps taken towards the goal

Respect For Others Seek and value ideas of others and recognize own limitations. Be honest and fair.