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The Palisades School District's Language Arts Study Group presents an update on the K-12 Language Arts program as of December 2008. This report outlines goals and recommendations for improving curriculum, instruction, and assessment to ensure all students master essential literacy skills. Key objectives include articulating a comprehensive K-12 curriculum, implementing intervention and enrichment programs, and enhancing standardized test scores through strategic teaching practices. A systematic professional development plan for educators is also emphasized, aiming to elevate overall student achievement.
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Palisades School District K-12 Language Arts Study Group Report December 2008
Purpose The purpose of this study team is to update the board regarding the current state of the K-12 language arts program and make recommendations which will ensure that all students have mastered the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and concepts necessary to be successful in their post-secondary endeavors.
Language Arts Review Team Teachers: Corina Balliet, Carole Lee Deemer, Arlene McBrearty, Mandy Miller, Chris Serban, Courtney Weeks
Process • Through the spring and fall of 2008, language arts teachers and department heads met to evaluate the current program K-12, conduct research, evaluate data and make recommendations for continued improvement. • In mid-December, a comprehensive team of parents, teachers and administrators are participating in a presentation and discussion of the language arts curriculum. • Following a revision process, the K-12 Language Arts Department will present to Educational Programs and Services in February and again to the full board in March 2009
Recommendations Goal #1 –Articulate K-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Rationale: A well-articulated curriculum maximizes student learning opportunities by eliminating both gaps and redundancies in both curriculum and instruction. *Develop K-12 curriculum map consistent with state standards, assessment anchors, and SAT skills (vocabulary, grammar, passage comprehension, and timed writing) *Develop a K-12 scope and sequence *Develop course placement requirements for transitions from elementary to middle and from middle to high school *Develop curriculum consistent with NCTE 21st Century Literacies standards (see handout)
Recommendations Goal #2 –Intervention and Enrichment Rationale: Our mission statement commits us to provide support and enrichment in language arts for students in need of intervention. *Implement a K-12 intervention/enrichment program for students without an IEP or GIEP *Monitor student progress *Identify personnel needed at each building and provide training *Articulate Interventions at the Secondary Level *Implement Map Testing at the Secondary Level
Recommendations Goal #3- Increase Standardized Test Scores Rationale: Increasing language arts standardized test scores will improve students’ opportunities to access select post-secondary educational institutions. Furthermore, correlation studies have shown that students who score well on the SAT also score well on the PSSAs. *All 10th grade students will take the October administration of the PSAT during school hours. *Imbed SAT/ACT and PSSA test taking skills and assessments into K-12 curriculum (grammar, test-taking genre writing and vocabulary) *Communicate evening class availability *Use PSAT results in eleventh grade to design instruction
Recommendations Goal #4 – Create a systematic professional development plan for teachers and paraprofessionals based on program delivery, best practices and student intervention. Rationale: Improving teachers’ skills and knowledge is one of the most effective ways of increasing student achievement. • Develop K-12 curriculum map consistent with state standards, assessment anchors, SAT English concepts, new literature series • Time and trainingto revisit / develop common course / grade level assessments • Review course placement rubrics for transitions from elementary to middle and from middle to high school
Recommendations Goal #4 (continued) • Training in Classrooms for the Future • Identify & implement intervention/enrichment programs • Time for Training in Classrooms of the Future • Time to identify & implement intervention/enrichment programs • Articulate Interventions at the secondary level • Time to train personnel, enter and analyze data using Performance Tracker • Time to analyze district assessments (including MAP, CBAs, writing assessments, etc.)
Recommendations Goal #4 (continued) • Training on the new textbooks and supplemental materials • Proctor training for PSAT • Time to learn and share best practices with colleagues
Supplemental Documents NCTE 21st Century Literacy Standards 5 year action plans for each recommendation: • Yearly and overall budget • End of cycle evaluation measures Works Consulted