Dates REVISED: March 21, April 6, May 11, May 19, 2011
Time: 8:30 - 3:30pm

(Lunch is included)

Location REVISED: LUHS - Green Mountain Tech Center, Hyde Park, VT

Cost: $735 for LAPDA members and $840 for non-members. Discount $50 each for teams of three or more.

Registration: www.lapdavt.org

Call (802) 224-9110 for more information

Course Description

Current Research in Reading: Implications for Instruction and Assessment
• What do we know about effective research-based reading instruction that promotes high levels of success for students?
• Summaries of current research and practice including those related to:
* classroom reading instruction and assessment
* reading program planning and assessment
* key components of school improvement projects
* key components of comprehensive intervention models

The role of data in results oriented classrooms: summative, formative
• How can we use current assessments and student work to inform and identify goals for our reading program and our teaching?
• What are the results I want to see? What will they look like in the classroom? In the school?
• Protocols for modifying data team work to make it easier and more immediately relevant for classroom teachers, enrichment teachers, and special educators in an ongoing manner
• Planning and implementing a comprehensive reading program

The Unique Role of the Principal in School Improvement
• What are the most effective roles and strategies for principals as literacy leaders in their school?
• Current research on the critical role of principals
• Strategies for reviewing and focusing your role as a literacy leader
• Identifying and supporting key partners in literacy leadership

Maintaining and Increasing Teachers’ Skills & Knowledge: Professional Development and Supervision
• Strategies for literacy coaching, and opportunities to try-out some coaching strategies to support teacher growth and enhanced student performance
• What “good” reading instruction looks like
• Providing feedback and coaching: opportunities to practice with varied protocols with varied teaching contexts

• Developing criteria for selecting new materials and programs related to your reading program and interventions: opportunities to practice with current materials

About the Instructor

Jane E. Mekkelsen

Jane is currently the Co-Coordinator with Sue Biggam of the Literacy Leadership Initiative (LLI), a project of Vermont READS at UVM. Jane has a long history in education in Vermont and recently retired from UVM. Her teaching at UVM focused on all areas of literacy learning and assessment with special interests in teaching struggling readers and multicultural literature for children and youth. Her research has focused on attributes of successful schools, impact of statewide assessment, literacy program evaluation, and school improvement. Prior to her work at UVM, She worked in Essex Town as a classroom teacher, special educator, multi-age grant director, elementary school principal, and middle school assistant principal.