Taylor County Early Literacy Initiative
Taylor County received
an Education First Grant to begin the implementation of a balanced
early literacy program in May 1999. Since the first grant in 1999,
we have received additional Education First Grants and a 3 year CSRD (Comprehensive
School Reform Demonstration Program) grant. The Early Initiative
Program is comprehensive enough to meet the developmental, remedial, and
acceleration needs of all the students, regular, special education, and
Title I.
The Balanced Early
Literacy Initiative is a program (Pre-K-4) that provides students with
a range of experiences and the instruction necessary to help children become
good readers early in their school careers. Before the end of the
second grade, the majority of children will have become independent readers
and writers.
All K - 4 teachers, special
education teachers, and Title I teachers, were provided extensive training
for the program. This program features highly trained staff by nationally
recognized trainers and is recognized as an outstanding program by Appalachian
Educational Laboratory (AEL) and Memphis University.
The Early Initiative Program
is a comprehensive approach to literacy and focuses on 3 major areas:
reading, writing, and "word study." Each area is taught with an integrated
combination of research proven techniques. Daily literacy lessons
occur during a large block of uninterrupted time. Focused, individualized
instruction and skillful teaching help students develop a broad range of
reading and writing abilities...not in isolated skills. Students
become empowered with problem solving strategies which they can use independently.
There is also an emphasis on comprehension, which is the goal of all reading.
The Early Initiative
framework is comprised of nine instructional components:
1. Reading Aloud: The teacher reads carefully selected
children's literature.
2. Shared Reading: Using an enlarged text that all children
can see, the teacher involves children in reading together.
3. Guided Reading: The teacher works with a small group
who has similar reading processes using “little” books that are leveled.
4. Independent Reading: Children read on their own or
with partners from a wide range of materials. Some reading is from
a special collection at their reading level.
5. Shared Writing: Teacher and children work together
to compose messages and stories.
6. Interactive Writing: As in shared writing, teacher
and children compose messages and stories that are written using a “shared
pen” technique that involves children in writing.
7. Guided Writing: Children engage in writing a variety
of texts.
8. Independent Writing: Children write their own pieces,
including retellings, labeling, speech balloons, lists, etc.
9. Word Work: Children are actively
learning the principles of phonics and spelling in word work mini lessons!
Click
here to see more about our exciting researched based reading program!
TAYLOR COUNTY TEACHERS MEET TO DISCUSS
THE LITERACY PROGRAM!
For more information on this program contact a member of the schools
Literacy Team:
Debbie Spadafore - Title I
dspadafo@access.k12.wv.us
Kathy Noble 1st Grade Teacher
knoble@access.k12.wv.us
Carolyn Harrison – Title I
caharris@access.k12.wv.us