Background
In spring 2000 California Department of Education's (CDE) Reading/Language Arts Leadership Office disseminated Strategic Teaching and Learning: Standards-Based Instruction to Promote Content Literacy in Grades Four Through Twelve. Aligned with the Reading/English Language Arts Framework, the document includes the following components of a schoolwide literacy model:
- A content literacy focus promoting the use of reading and writing across the curriculum for the acquisition of content knowledge and for real-world applications
- A standards-based English-language arts core
- Appropriate interventions for beginning and below-grade-level readers
- Schoolwide initiatives (e.g., designated time for independent reading, after-school programs)
- A dynamic and well-stocked library media program staffed by a credentialed library media teacher
- Home/school/community partnerships
- Professional development, coaching, and collegial study groups
- Assessment, evaluation, and monitoring of students' progress
When Strategic Teaching and Learning was disseminated statewide, several middle schools and high schools were identified as demonstration sites. During the 2000-01 and 2001-02 school years, these sites were showcased for regional networks. Many of the components within the literacy model were demonstrated at these events; however, four components were especially sought out for the demonstration days:
- Programs of reading and writing across the curriculum
- High-quality reading interventions
- Dynamic library media programs
- Evidence of success
Overview
Secondary Literacy Demonstration Sites have established multifaceted initiatives to foster the literacy development of all students via nearly every avenue under the schools' control--in addition to that which occurs in the language arts classes.
Each model focuses on content literacy, the ability to use reading and writing to acquire new content in a given discipline. Content area teachers use reading and writing to serve their primary goal: to help students learn content. In most models, school leadership teams agree on a cluster of research-based strategies to infuse into the curriculum. Examples of these strategies can be found in Strategic Teaching and Learning. To order copies of Strategic Teaching and Learning, contact the CDE Press.
In addition to having focused on content literacy, these demonstration sites have implemented reading interventions. In some models, strategies fostered within the intervention are extended to content area classes as well.
The school library is a natural partner in creating a schoolwide culture of reading, writing, and information literacy. Replicated research across the nation shows that students' achievement increases regardless of social and economic factors when the school library:
- Contains a rich array of resources, including technology
- Is fully staffed, providing for collaborative teamwork between library staff and other faculty members
Many of the Secondary Literacy Demonstration Sites have dynamic library media programs that include these features.
Systemwide Literacy Models
The Secondary Literacy Demonstration Sites have created a systemwide model, and each contains exportable components and ideas. Some sites have been in place longer than others. All are evolving. Additional demonstration sites will be added as they are identified. The educators at these sites are proud to display the instructional processes that students experience in day-to-day instruction. Collectively these sites demonstrate that there is no single solution to fostering the literacy development of all students. A concerted effort on many fronts is needed.
These sites were sought out for their focus on reading and writing across the curriculum, high-quality reading interventions, well-staffed and well-stocked libraries, evidence of success, and other components of the literacy model detailed in the Design Template (DOC; 34KB; 3 pp.) for a Schoolwide Literacy Model.
For further information about any of the demonstration sites, call the school official to arrange a visit. Contact information is provided at the end of each site's program description.
If you have questions or if your school is interested in becoming a Secondary Literacy Demonstration Site, contact Mary Ann Goodwin at mgoodwin@cde.ca.gov in the Reading/Language Arts Leadership Office.
Northern California
Antioch
High School
Newark
Junior High School
San Mateo High School District
Central Valley
Southern California
Artesia
High School
Hoover Senior High
Mission Bay High School
Monroe Clark Middle School
Preuss
Model School
Resources
A listing of publications, organizations, and online resources.
