The Common Core
Coaching Book
Chapters 1& 2
Chapter 1 focused on “literacy coaching and change”. The text referred to literacy coaches as
leaders of the change process or leading the charge for change in a
building. As I was reading this it made
me reflect on literacy leaders in my building or even leaders in general who
typically present new information during professionally development. I thought about how it was presented, how the
climate felt before, during and after the new information was presented and how
it affected me as a classroom teacher. When
the text discussed the two key ideas that are essential for literacy coaches teaching
new content, it was an “ah-ha” moment that I completely agree with. There are times when coaches present new
information that they are not familiar with or do not have a support system to
bounce ideas or assist with and those presentations are not as effective.
I am one of those people who cringe when I hear the word “change”. Change is hard! “Change is a consistent part of education”
(pg. 8). There are not truer words!
Looking at Figure 2, the concerns-based adoption model,
reflect upon a time when you have faced a new change presented by a literacy
leader. What stages did you go
through? Did you experience all the
stages? How does identifying with adults
and these stages help us as literacy leaders?
Is this model beneficial to share with teachers?
Chapter 2 identified important tools to be an effective
literacy coach. I enjoyed reading the part
about having a purpose as a literacy coach.
I think it is important to establish your purpose and goals with your colleagues
so that they know what to expect from you as a resource for your building.
What would your purpose statement be as a
literacy coach? What would you want your
colleagues to understand about your work?
The Administration
and Supervision of Reading Programs
Chapter 1
This chapter discussed how to effectively create a
comprehensive reading plan. There are
three essential elements that correlate with one another that make a reading
plan effective. Those elements include
the standards and curriculum, instruction and assessment of student
learning.
Taking a closer look at the standards and curriculum
element, do you feel as though the Oklahoma Standards portray an effective
literacy curriculum? (Refer to Figure 1.3
on page 23 for Questions to Consider) What kinds of assessments do you use to
assess the standards? Have you seen or
does your school vertically align literacy standards so that there is consistency
within the school?
Looking at Figure 2, the concerns-based adoption model, reflect upon a time when you have faced a new change presented by a literacy leader. What stages did you go through? Did you experience all the stages? How does identifying with adults and these stages help us as literacy leaders? Is this model beneficial to share with teachers?
ReplyDeleteI really like this model. It is simple yet very profound it what it presents and represents and I do think it is beneficial to share with teachers. Even though I had limited experience in the classroom I have tried to think on a time I faced a new change presented by a literacy leader. Consequently, I would say that I did not go through all the stages but that I got to the Consequences stage. I tend to ask a lot of questions, especially to those who I know have more knowledge on the subject than myself. I think the “focus on self” and “focus on task” stages are important when it comes to the process of change. When these two areas are worked on then the “focus on results” stage will become easier every time. Moreover, as Literacy leaders, when we identify with adults we begin to be more aware and understanding of their learning process.
What would your purpose statement be as a literacy coach? What would you want your colleagues to understand about your work?
As a Literacy Coach I would want my purpose to be geared toward helping both students and teachers alike as well as others who may have interest or who are linked to the literacy development within the school(s). My purpose statement would go something along the lines of;
“As a Literacy coach the purpose of my work is to selflessly assist teachers and students in developing their understanding of literacy by providing teachers with a clear and accurate understanding of what they need to do to help their students both inside and outside the classroom and to provide students with opportunities that will help them grow as literacy learners.
The Administration and Supervision of Reading Programs
Chapter 1
Taking a closer look at the standards and curriculum element, do you feel as though the Oklahoma Standards portray an effective literacy curriculum? (Refer to Figure 1.3 on page 23 for Questions to Consider) What kinds of assessments do you use to assess the standards? Have you seen or does your school vertically align literacy standards so that there is consistency within the school?
As an international student it is rather difficult for me to answer these questions as it relates to the Oklahoma Standards and assessments. However, I do think the standards are precise, detailed and show that they can be effective in student literacy development.
Being selfless is very important in this day and age Krystie. I think both teachers and students need to see and feel loved in the school because the environment can be very harsh and unforgiving at times.A literacy leader who does their job from the heart is a great leader. That holds true for any leader, teacher, principal etc. It is unfair however, that lots of people go into education just for the fun of it or because it is a stable paying job. :(
DeleteI agree with your statement that once you have dealt with the “focus on self” and “focus on task” stages moving to the “process of change” becomes easier. I think sometimes we jump the gun concerning change. We want all of the change up front rather than taking the time to support the change occurring. This could occur through coaching, other PD opportunities, modeling, etc. We often do this with students’ learning when we jump through the concrete, representational, and abstract too quickly. This is similar with the application of this model. Going through each of the stages provides background knowledge for the new stage occurring.
DeleteI really appreciated your literacy coach purpose statement. I too think it is important for a literacy coach to gear their literacy statement towards both the student and teacher. I also liked that you put "both inside and outside the classroom". I think it is important to make connections between home and school life!
DeleteThank you all for your responses.
DeleteLooking at Figure 2, the concerns-based adoption model, reflect upon a time when you have faced a new change presented by a literacy leader. What stages did you go through? Did you experience all the stages? How does identifying with adults and these stages help us as literacy leaders? Is this model beneficial to share with teachers?
ReplyDeleteI loved figure 2. I seemed really accurate in identifying the stages of change. I have to be totally honest and relay that sometimes in the past, the literacy leader would relay an “new” thing that needed to be done, and I would simply not do it. :( It’s true. If it was too hard as a new teacher I would just toss it to the side. On the CBAM I would have fallen under the focus on self portion, If it was too difficult or I didn’t know how to make the transition, I wouldn’t move to the focus on task stage. I don’t suggest this, but I know that I am not the only person who has done this. I think it is really important to ensure that scaffolding, follow-up, and support are provided. One time I have a Reading Recovery teacher work with me. I needed to establish guided reading groups. It seemed very overwhelming to me. The difference with this change is that I had a resource to turn to when problem came up. She modeled the good practices for me. This led me through the stages mentioned by CBAM. I don’t think everyone goes through all of the stages, especially if you get to the consequence stage and notice the change is ineffective. This model is both beneficial for those leading and those being coached. These stages help guide both through higher levels of thinking that lead to beneficial change.
What would your purpose statement be as a literacy coach? What would you want your colleagues to understand about your work?
This is a difficult question for me to answer fully. I think this purpose statement is still forming in my mind and may change based on the role I hope to fill one day. It could be something like this. As a literacy coach I support the use of a balanced literacy program that strives to create lifelong learners and critical thinkers through pursuing reading as a lifelong process as supported by research through equipping both instructors and students with valuable tools and resources to support this process.
Taking a closer look at the standards and curriculum element, do you feel as though the Oklahoma Standards portray an effective literacy curriculum? (Refer to Figure 1.3 on page 23 for Questions to Consider) What kinds of assessments do you use to assess the standards? Have you seen or does your school vertically align literacy standards so that there is consistency within the school?
I think that Oklahoma standards have come a long way. I think they are now very similar to Common Core, but don’t tell anyone I said that. Ha! I think that the way a teacher chooses to meet these standards should be fairly organic but focused on standards. I use running records with authentic literature, sight word assessments, anecdotal records, grades, etc. I use a variety of tools to assess standards in my class. As a school, we use DIBELS and Star (don’t love these!).
I like your purpose statement Cathy. I think it is imperative that as Literacy coaches we try to create lifelong learners and critical thinkers. I think it can be very hard to a write a purpose statement that truly encapsulates all they we would like to do as coaches. In my opinion there is so much we can and will do as coaches and I think one purpose statement might never be enough to satisfy what we need to say.
DeleteAs I grow into and learn to become a Literacy coach I realize that I have many traits that will assist me in this endeavor. I feel that I am patient, willing to help others as well as share new and appropriate ideas, concepts and activates and I am willing to learn from others who may be more experienced than myself.
I also agree that you have a powerful purpose statement Cathy. Preparing life long learners and critical thinkers is to provide students with the ability to be successful. The world can be a scary place and to be able to decipher right from wrong during school and out of school sets the path for success.
DeleteThanks for the kind words. It is a work in progress.
DeleteKathy, you are definitely not the only person who would stay on the "focus on self" portion of the model. I am guilty of this as well! If I wasn't sure of a new literacy model or implementation, I would typically get overwhelmed and put it on the back burner until I knew I was ready to take it on. Sometimes this would become a problem because I would forget to revisit it. Definitely not the best idea but I am glad that the model identified where I would be in that situation and other areas to work towards.
DeleteIt really is a good model. I think it definitely makes one reflect as they try to grow and become better in the field.
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ReplyDeleteLooking at Figure 2, the concerns-based adoption model, reflect upon a time when you have faced a new change presented by a literacy leader. What stages did you go through? Did you experience all the stages? How does identifying with adults and these stages help us as literacy leaders? Is this model beneficial to share with teachers?
ReplyDeleteAs I looked at this model, I imagine we can relate it to anything we do in our lives in and out of the classroom. However, I have never really faced a challenge presented by a literacy leader. I have only been in the classroom for one year and although I was faced with many challenges (A LOT) I think I would go through all of these stages. I say so because when I put my mind to doing/learning something new I want to do it to the best of my ability. Especially if it is for the benefit of my students, I am all in, making sure that I am knowledgeable enough to impart knowledge correctly and efficiently to my them. I think it is important to also be knowledgably of my own strengths and weaknesses so if something is not working well for me I will ask for assistance/change to make sure my results are great.
Identifying with adults and these stages as literacy leaders give us a piece of mind that everything takes time and it is good to follow steps/a routine sometimes. Not because adults are more knowledgeable of the world means it is ok to “skip” over some things. Letting adults start the beginning and even allowing them to identify areas they may be doing the wrong/differently may provide better outcomes or help to provide structure. Sometimes having structure is a good thing. I think this model would definitely be beneficial to share with teachers.
What would your purpose statement be as a literacy coach? What would you want your colleagues to understand about your work?
Although subject to change, as a literacy coach I think my purpose statement would be “As a literacy coach my everyday aim is to provide adequate and hands on training and assistance that will guide and give both teachers and students the chance to be open minded and receptive to innovative ways of learning and to provide a holistic environment conducive to their overall needs.
I would want my colleagues to understand that as a literacy coach I am also a learner. They should understand that it would be my job to help/assist with literacy but it is also up to them to take on the challenge to teach, correct or inform me of other methods of doing things. We should all be learning from one another and not try to have “power over” each other.
Taking a closer look at the standards and curriculum element, do you feel as though the Oklahoma Standards portray an effective literacy curriculum? (Refer to Figure 1.3 on page 23 for Questions to Consider) What kinds of assessments do you use to assess the standards? Have you seen or does your school vertically align literacy standards so that there is consistency within the school?
Although I am not too familiar with the Oklahoma Standard, I think the concept of having standards, even literacy helps to portray an effective curriculum.
“As a literacy coach my everyday aim is to provide adequate and hands on training and assistance that will guide and give both teachers and students the chance to be open minded and receptive to innovative ways of learning and to provide a holistic environment conducive to their overall needs.” - This literacy purpose statement is so interesting to me. I love that you focused on people being open to innovative ways of learning and a holistic environment. I feel like it is easy to focus on innovation, but often it doesn’t occur in holistic manner (focusing on thole child). How do you think this would look as a literacy coach?
DeleteI also agree that we need to view one another as supporters of the learning process rather than exerting power over an individual. Coaches aren’t meant to prove superiority, but rather be a tool to help build stronger teams in regards to literacy.
I agree with you on the idea that the concerns-based adoption model should be shared with teachers. I think it is beneficial that teachers see the model so that they can find ways to relate to it and use it to help them grow as learners. After reading that section of the chapter, it helped me identify my concerns as a teacher and how I can effective move from stage to stage.
DeleteKrystal, I love your purpose statement and you are right to say that even though you are a Literacy coach you are also a learner. We never stop learning, no matter what position we may hold. I think if we go into our job with this thought we will become better at what we do.
DeleteLadies, This has been interesting to read! I'm looking forward to your responses to each other as the discussion continues.
ReplyDelete