What is it?
This brief assessment tool is designed to initiate and engage in conversation about your current literacy system. It is a pre-assessment and one tool that would be part of a more comprehensive analysis and growth plan.
The questions seek to establish the strength of connections between leadership, curriculum resources, assessment and instruction in your setting. Additionally, knowledge related to research- and evidence-based practice is weaved into the language of the assessment. Groups of questions are also designed to tap into the level of cohesion found in your literacy programming.
Who is it for?
Ideally, the individuals utilizing this tool are in leadership or middle-leader roles. It is best suited for those who are responsible for identifying initiatives, planning implementation and/or selecting professional development. i.e., principals, heads of curriculum, literacy leads or coaches, and classroom teachers who serve as members of action teams, committees or department heads.
Guiding Literacy Growth’s recommendation: form a small group of mixed stakeholders from your elementary school’s staff whose work impacts literacy development so that you have varied perspectives included in the dialogue.
Why do you need it?
We all know that schools are exceptionally busy places, time is a precious commodity and during any given academic year, there are many initiatives underway. Due to this, we may inadvertently miss signs that our literacy system needs tending to, that we could be taking more effective and efficient routes in our approach, or that our system is starting to work against us.
Making the space to pause, reflect and fully understand your current situation is essential and allows you to keep your finger on the pulse of your literacy system. This assessment tool was developed to support you in that process.
Things to know and consider
Over the last year, Guiding Literacy Growth spoke with a group of international educators, from all over the world about the challenges and barriers they have faced in relation to student learning outcomes, their own literacy knowledge and practice as well as their school’s literacy programming. These educators thoughtfully shared their experiences and provided feedback on the questions, which went through multiple iterations as a result.
It is powerful to add that many commented that they wished more of these questions were being asked or that they worked in a school that could answer yes to all of the questions. Further, it is worth considering that elementary educators, albeit a small sample, were given a voice in the creation of this tool. How might your staff or colleagues respond given a similar opportunity?
The tool is meant to spark awareness of the components of a literacy system versus being a diagnostic tool. Because of this, responses are limited to yes or no.
- If you are unsure how to answer a question, or if you are unfamiliar with the language, Guiding Literacy Growth’s recommendation is to answer “no.” A “no” does not mean the concept or idea is missing but may be an area for continued growth.
Results
Your results will fall into one of three categories below:
The Pathway
You school is starting its journey towards a stronger literacy system. Now, it is important that you take notice of your current location so that you can choose a pathway that will get you to your destination.
This means that you would benefit from a system audit to better understand your journey and identify a well defined pathway.
The Navigator
Your school has done some of the legwork required to get itself on the pathway toward positive literacy change. Now, you need to focus on charting the most efficient and sustainable course to reach your destination.
Identifying a key priority and creating strategic and aligned implementation plans will help you navigate the way.
The Compass
Your school has successfully navigated literacy change and now, you want to focus on which new direction you will head in so that you can continue to improve and stay current.
This means creating systems to revisit your data, make adjustments and choosing professional development that is specifically formulated to your needs.
Where to Next?
Are you ready to explore how you can more deeply promote continued literacy growth in your elementary school’s setting? Taking the quiz is the first step forward in this journey.
Want more information or guidance? Book a free exploratory call via Calendly on my website’s landing page. Not finding a time? Reach out via the contact me tab and we will find a time that fits your schedule.