Frankenmuth

List Elementary has placed increased emphasis on the foundation of a child's academic success: literacy learning and development. The increased focus due in part to the "Read by Grade 3 Law" that ensures that students are closely monitored for reading deficiencies and that they get the level of intervention that they need. The law also requires the utilization of a Literacy Coach. The teachers at List Elementary believe in building a school culture where reading is exciting and enjoyed by all. We employ the workshop model, where students are given a short and focused strategy to practice for that day. The students then spend time practicing by independently reading, reading with a partner, or by conferencing with the classroom teacher. Additionally, teachers intentionally spend time on the study of words through phonics (letters and sounds) and phonemic awareness (sounds spoken aloud in words), vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Further, each grade level has a planned time of the day called What I Need or "WIN." WIN time is small guided reading instruction at each individual child's reading level working on skills to be mastered at that level. During WIN time, students may also receive more intense intervention on particular skills. This model led to an increase in personnel to provide interventions. Julie Leach serves as a Literacy Specialist role, meets with small groups daily and will also take on the role of serving our English Language Learners. Long time paraprofessional Cameo Storey now sees small groups of students under the guidance of our Title 1 teacher. The depth of the commitment to literacy might be best illustrated by the "Literacy Coach" that joined the List Elementary team this school year. Former teacher turned Literacy Coach, Lisa Morford has been intensely trained by the Saginaw ISD for her role. She is a perfect fit for our district as her reading philosophy and background match with our balanced approach to literacy instruction. Mrs. Morford served as a support to our teachers by engaging them in coaching cycles where they identify a teacher practice that they want to focus on and make a plan to support instruction. This includes modeling practices with students, helping with curricular decisions, finding needed resources and examining schedules to ensure minutes are used wisely. Mrs. Morford also serves our building by providing professional development, analyzing data, facilitating the writing of reading plans, preparing teachers and students for changes to state assessments and supporting whole school literacy initiatives. This intensified model has led us to celebrate some amazing stories of student growth and achievement this school year. We are excited about what is happening at List with our young readers and look forward to continuing to make progress. A Focus on Literacy 23

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