ELA/READING WORKSHOP STOCKBRIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL TITLE I PROGRAM

HOW MANY STUDENTS STRUGGLE AS READERS? WHAT PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE BEHIND IN READING? FRIGHTENING FACTS… ACCORDING TO THE MOST RECENT REPORT RELEASED IN LATE 2011, 33% OF ALL 4 TH GRADE STUDENTS READ BELOW THE BASIC LEVEL, AND 24% OF ALL 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS READ BELOW THE BASIC LEVEL. 30 MILLION ADULTS (14%) OVER AGE 16 — ARE FUNCTIONALLY ILLITERATE AND ANOTHER 63 MILLION ADULTS (29%) — DON’T READ WELL ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND A NEWSPAPER STORY WRITTEN AT AN 8 TH GRADE LEVEL.

1. There will be instructional shifts Designed to guide critical readers through a range of grade- level, complex texts or reading materials, classroom instruction will be focused on: SHIFT - Building knowledge through content-rich nonfiction and informational texts: In addition to stories and literature, your child will read more informational texts and non-fiction that provide facts and Knowledge in areas such as science and social studies. Supply more Non- Fiction text Read non-fiction texts Aloud or With your child Have fun with non- fiction in front of them

SHIFT - Reading and writing grounded in evidence from text: Children will read more challenging texts and be asked more questions that will require them to refer back to what they have read to provide evidence that supports their answers. Talk about texts Demand evidence in everyday discussions, debates and disagreements Read aloud or read the same book as your child and discuss with evidence

SHIFT - Regular practice with complex texts and its vocabulary: Teachers will emphasize building a strong vocabulary so that students can read and understand challenging material. Provide more challenging texts AND provide texts they WANT to read and can read comfortably Know what grade level is appropriate Read challenging text with them

2. There are fewer, clearer standards, that aim higher: focus on five standard areas Teachers will focus on five standard areas to prepare children to meet grade-level expectations. Your child’s teachers will focus on shifts in the following standards: Common Core Learning Standards for Reading Literature Common Core Learning Standards for Reading Literature Common Core Learning Standards for Reading Informational Text Common Core Learning Standards for Reading Informational Text Common Core Learning Standards for Writing Common Core Learning Standards for Writing Common Core Learning Standards for Speaking and Listening Common Core Learning Standards for Speaking and Listening Common Core Learning Standards for Language Common Core Learning Standards for Language

3 important ways There are 3 important ways that the new standards will impact daily classroom instruction of Reading and Writing. 1. There will be instructional shifts. 2. There are fewer, clearer standards, that aim higher. 3. Types of texts

3. Types of texts: Across the grades, students will read both literature (fiction) and informational texts (non-fiction) and respond using a range of writing types.

PARENT SUPPORT HELPS STUDENTS SUCCEED By staying involved, informed and engaged, parents can help students be successful By staying involved, informed and engaged, parents can help students be successful with your children Read with your children their homework Review and discuss their homework with their teachers Communicate with their teachers public meetings to learn more Attend public meetings to learn more Learn about the standards and how they affect your child’s education and school Learn about the standards and how they affect your child’s education and school through your child’s backpack each afternoon Look through your child’s backpack each afternoon 9

TIPS on how parents can support Reading at home: Connect reading with your child's passion. *Get a subscription to a magazine on a specific topic of interest - Soccer - Basketball - Music - Video Games *Suggest books from movies & read them TOGETHER - Hobbit - The Fault in Our Stars - If I Stay

*Listen to books on tape In the car on the way to school On the way to practice Driving a long distance to visit relatives Encourage your middle school child to read books to a younger sibling Reading a story after dinner or before bedtime Designate an ‘official reading area’ somewhere in your home (All you need is a small quiet space & good lighting) Encourage your child to keep a journal or write creatively. MODEL, MODEL, MODEL! Your adolescent will still follow your reading habits (though they’ll never let you know it!). Let your child see you reading, make comments, and share interesting passages with them.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Contact Information Mrs. Fabbiol Bowen: Title I Literacy Teacher Dr. Lateasha White: Title I Parent Involvement Liaison

PARENT ACTIVITY