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“Survey of Middle and High School Literacy/Instructional Coaches in Colorado”
Results Presented at CCIRA on 2/3/06 by Nancy L. Shanklin

Champney& Shanklin, Content Literacy Wheel, at IRA, May 2005
Secondary Literacy Network presentation at IRA, May 2003

What are key components to building quality adolescent reading programs?

• A literacy committee to direct school efforts

• Strong building and district administrative support

• At least one reading specialist per building

• Attention to increasing student motivation for literacy

• Authentic, active learning with student input and choice

• Emphasis on real reading and writing with integration of oral communication development

• Attention given to creating print rich environments and making reading materials readily available

  • Strong links to libraries and technology

  • Avid pursuit of a wide variety of literature representing diverse groups

• Instruction is guided by assessment of individual learner need

• Comprehension is the primary focus with an emphasis on research-based comprehension strategies and metacognition

• A questioning stance to discover points of view and potential biases in all texts is encouraged

• Reading strategy instruction is embedded by all content teachers and through reading courses open to all students

• Bilingual and ESL learners’ literacy needs understood and supported

•  Instruction includes attention to a variety of learning styles

• Strong parent and/or mentor involvement is encouraged

• Quality, on-going professional development is viewed as important

What are appropriate criteria to compare adolescent reading programs?

• Target Audience

• Program Philosophy

• Research Base

• Structure of the Program (including student/teacher ratio)

• Research on Effectiveness

• Resources Needed

• Cost

• Initial and On-going Professional Development