ELA Task Force Literacy Review Public Schools of Petoskey March 25, 2009

District Text Adoptions Math - Completed Science - Completed Social Studies- Completed Ongoing High School Reform Needs Presently on 6-7 year text rotation

English Language Arts Due for Adoption in Next possible ELA rotation is 2014 or 2015.

Present Elementary Literacy Program Reading Houghton Mifflin Copyright 1997 Condition Reported- Good to Fair Whole Language Approach Spelling, Grammar, & Writing Various

With No Change Until Next Possible Literacy Series Rotation Present text will be over 20 years old and not reflective of current literacy research.

Criteria for Literacy Series Corresponds to GLCEs Research Based Intervention Components Instructional Components- Phonemic Awareness Phonics Vocabulary Fluency Comprehension

Criteria for Literacy Series Additional Resources Well-organized Authored Literature On-line Materials Writing Components Grammar Instruction Spelling Support

District MEAP Data What is it telling us?

High But Fairly Flat Since 2004

MEAP PILOT Writing Tested Only in 4 th & 7 th Grades AYP No Longer by Total ELA AYP Determined by Reading As of March 2009

District NWEA Data What can it tell us about trends?

Reading Program Questions Could our reading program be more successful? How aligned and paced is our reading curriculum? Do we have the right resources?

Review of Literacy Series & Materials Write Source- Houghton Mifflin Co. Zaner Blosser Glencoe McDougal Littell Literature Writing & Grammar- Pearson Treasures- Macmillan/McGraw Hill Others

PLCs Asked to Review Treasures Feb. 13th: Age of Present Series Flatness of Reading Data Since 2004 Studies by Maryland Dept. of Ed. Treasures/Triumphs (RtI) GLCE Connection Recommendations- Caledonia, Coopersville, Lakeshore (all using Treasures & Triumphs) Support from Publisher/Rep. Criteria for Request

PLC Review Also Due To: Research- Based Literacy Components Children’s Authors Layers of Resources On-line Components & Texts Connection with Present Literature Circles May Make Copies Purchasing Incentives (freebees)

After PLC Comment Sheets Were Returned The ELA Elementary Task Force tabled the possible purchase of Treasures, & noted: 1.Enthusiasm of Kindergarten staff 2.PLC’s comments: A. High cost B. Another, unnecessary “new thing” C. Adoption proposal “top down” 3. Need to view a 1 st grade kit 4. Need informational, leveled books

Acted Upon Leveled Books Request Ordered Since Last ELA TF Meeting Informational- Science & Social Studies Should Arrive Soon! (from Newbridge) From “At Risk” (Carry-Over $ ) Follow Grade Level GLCEs

However, Since Adoption Was Tabled There were many requests to revisit possible adoption for all or part of the Treasures program.

Due to Staff Requests, Please Discuss Treasures as a group. Fill out an individual Treasures Survey. Give your personal survey to your building ELA Task Force representative or administrator.

Further Treasures Information Website: Online video:

As One of Our Teachers Said, “An anthology (children’s authored) is like having a mini library in your desk.” And, you can always add more books to your library.

The ELA Task Force Will: Compile the survey results. Create a list of priorities by need. Discuss & research possibilities. Make recommendations. Report back to the buildings.

Elementary ELA Task Force Recommendations Will Be: Considered along with high school and middle school ELA recommendations and needs (still meeting high school reform). Considered within budgetary allowances. Part of a district ELA plan for

Thank you for your time & consideration of this matter. Your Elementary TLC Task Force