Gretchen Courtney & Associates, Ltd.

Steps for Building a Strong Literacy Structure

Gretchen Courtney & Associates provides leadership for literacy development by employing a six-stage process improving student achievement. Our firm provides long- and short-term curriculum and professional development based on school systems’ specific needs.

Audit

Audit and evaluate all phases of district literacy education

Plan

Design frameworks for literacy and professional development

Inform

Lead staff development sessions to develop expertise

Model

Provide in-class demonstrations of literacy learning

Monitor

Support teacher learning with feedback on lesson development and delivery

Review

Assess continually to evaluate and adjust instruction

Improving Schools

The challenges schools face provide opportunities for growth.

Looking at ways to define and develop school improvement can be daunting. Rather than viewing challenges as obstacles, think of them as opportunities. Here are a few common issues schools face when implementing change:

Literacy

Are students reading as much as they should? Are they learning how to read critically and write effectively, or are they learning these skills at a basic, literal level?

Curriculum

Schools are often filled with talented, hardworking teachers. Is there a common curriculum in place? Is there a system in place for identifying agreed-upon strategies and skills so all students are being prepared for success?

Instructional Supervision and Professional Learning Communities

Are teachers and administrators working together to examine what is actually being taught?

– Schmoker, Mike (2006). Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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