Early Learning in Literacy |
table of contents |
The
Key to Arkansas's Bright Future
By Debra Heath, Principal,
Wynne Primary School
Although there has been much discussion recently about problems in the educational
system of Arkansas, there are successful initiatives occurring in the state
that promise to raise the achievement levels of Arkansas students. This is
especially true in the area of literacy, which greatly impacts all other curriculum
areas.
In 1997, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE), in collaboration with
UALR Early Literacy Training Center, developed Early Literacy Learning in
Arkansas (ELLA), a professional development model for kindergarten through
second grade teachers. ELLA provided teachers high quality training in research-based,
effective strategies for teaching literacy to Arkansas's youngest students.
Due to the success of ELLA, the ADE developed and implemented Effective Literacy
(ELF), a professional development opportunity for upper elementary teachers.
These programs continue to train teachers throughout the state in instructional
strategies that offer students the opportunity to be actively and meaningfully
engaged in learning though the implementation of daily reading and writing
workshops in the classroom.
Another successful initiative, the Arkansas Comprehensive School Reform Model,
encompasses the strategies included in ELLA and ELF. This reform model includes
a balanced literacy approach with instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics,
fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and the writing process. Instruction is
based on Arkansas State Standards and the National Primary Standards in Reading
and Writing.
The reform model features site-based literacy coaches who lead classroom teachers
in the study of professional texts through literacy team meetings and help
them implement successful strategies in the classroom. Model classrooms are
established that serve as examples for all teachers to see and replicate exemplary
instructional practices in literacy.
The Arkansas Comprehensive School Reform Model includes early intervention
for struggling readers by teachers trained in Reading Recovery, a research-based
literacy intervention that provides intensive tutoring for struggling readers
in first grade. This program is highly successful in helping these students
reach average or better performance in reading. (continued below)
During the past four years, 58 Arkansas schools have participated in the Arkansas Comprehensive School Reform Model, and the model has spread to Utah, Texas, Michigan, and Missouri. Data is very promising, indicating that with implementation of effective research-based strategies, high percentages of students in high poverty schools score at or above the proficient level in literacy.
The success of Arkansas's school reform efforts has been recognized nationally. The December issue of "The Achiever," the United States Department of Education newsletter, featured the Arkansas model. Due to an exemplary state grant application that featured the state initiatives, Arkansas was one of the first states to obtain federal Reading First funds. Through a competitive grant process, these funds were then allocated to Arkansas schools with comprehensive literacy improvement plans that included many components of the reform model.
Because research indicates that a child's reading level at the end of the third grade is a strong predictor of future academic success, the federal No Child Left Behind Act focuses on building strong literacy foundations in the primary grades. Arkansas has proven to be ahead of many other states in our efforts to help all children attain reading proficiency.
With the support and training provided by the state, Arkansas educators have a wonderful opportunity to grow professionally while contributing to improved student achievement. As principal of an elementary school in Arkansas, it is exciting to be involved in these successful initiatives, and it is a privilege to work with Arkansas teachers and students in a community of life-long learners.
A Strange Twist of Fate In 1861, the first major battle of the Civil War occurred on the farm of Wilmer McLean just outside of Manassas Junction , Virginia.
After the fighting ended, McLean, in an attempt to escape the war, moved his family far south and east to an obscure little town called Appomattox Court House.
In 1865, when Lee was ready to surrender, he sent a colonel into Appomattox Court House looking for a suitable location to meet with Grant. The colonel grabbed the first civilian he saw, Wilmer McLean, and asked if Lee and Grant could meet in McLean's home. McLean agreed, and on Sunday, April 9, 1865, the bloodiest war in American history came to an end in Wilmer McLean's parlor.
Wilmer McLean could rightfully say that, "The war began in my front yard
and ended in my front parlor." 10
Submitted by Duke Heath