2. Common Core Georgia Performance Standards Facilitating Student-Led Discussions, K-12 Part 1: Rationale and Discussion Formats
Cynde Snider

3. Essential Question
How might I incorporate discussion in my classroom?

4. Learning Targets
I can cite evidence to support the teaching of discussion skills.
I can describe 3 to 5 different types of age-appropriate student-led discussions.

5. Improving Adolescent Literacy
Evidence-Based Practice Recommendations for Improving Adolescent Literacy
Recommendation
Level of Evidence
Provide explicit vocabulary instruction.
Strong
Provide direct and explicit comprehension strategy instruction.
Provide opportunities for extended discussion of text meaning and interpretation.
Moderate
Increase student motivation and engagement in literacy learning.
Make available intensive and individualized interventions for struggling readers that can be provided by trained specialists.
Source: Kamil, et al. (2008)

6. CCR Anchor Standards for Speaking & Listening
Comprehension & Collaboration
Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Presentation of Knowledge & Ideas
Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
PARCC non-summative assessment of speaking and listening skills: locally scored, required

7. Learning Targets
I can cite evidence to support the teaching of discussion skills.
I can describe 3 to 5 different types of age-appropriate student-led discussions.

8. Structured Student-Led Discussion Formats (Handouts 1a & 1b)
Body voting
Chalk Talks*
Conversational Moves
Generating Truth Statements
Rotating Stations*
Snowballing
Socratic Seminars
Think/Pair/Share

9. Empowering (Rather than Enabling)
Start small—allow student to discuss with teacher, then with selected peer, additional peers, etc.
Provide student with opportunities to practice “scripted” contributions before the actual discussion.
Establish cueing system between teacher and student.
Plan threaded discussions using Wiggio, Google Docs, etc.
Conduct real time, online discussions.

10. Learning Targets
I can cite evidence to support the teaching of discussion skills.
I can describe 3 to 5 different types of age-appropriate student-led discussions.

11. Essential Question
How might I incorporate discussion in my classroom?

12. Resources
Hattie, J. (2012). Visible learning for teachers: Maximizing impact on learning. New York: Routledge. Kamil, M. L., Borman, G. D., Dole, J., Kral, C. C., Salinger T., & Torgensen, J. (2008). Improving adolescent literacy: Effective classroom and intervention practices (NCEE # ). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from

13. Cynde Snider Georgia Department of Education csnider@doe. k1. ga
Cynde Snider Georgia Department of Education