Page 42 - EdViewptsSpring2017

A Macro to Micro Implementation of

Literacy at the Middle School Level

By Stephen Santilli, Lead Learner (Principal); Amy Carter, Special

Education ELA Teacher; and Rachel Robinson, ELA Teacher, William
Davies School, Mays Landing

A couple of years have Fundamentally, literacy is “the abil- Macro:
ity to read and write.” However, like a
passed since I stood in front of pyramid, literacy serves as the base • Balanced Literacy Framework:
my staff and uttered a simple phrase, or foundation for success. Middle This incorporates skill instruction
“Literacy is everyone’s problem.” To this school teachers often see literacy as using the Reader/Writer Workshop
day, I still regret the one word I used in a skill built at the elementary level. Model, including guided and inde-
that phrase — “problem.” Literacy is not Yet, to promote growth and support pendent practice with exposure to
a “problem,” but rather a “responsibil- students struggling with literacy, a rich and varied fiction and nonfic-
ity” and a “solution.” At one time, the strong framework needs to be present tion texts. In addition, students are
responsibility of literacy fell upon the throughout a student's entire educa- offered word study and authentic
content specialists; however, literacy tional career. writing experiences related to their
is now a shared responsibility among The information that follows details reading to help them develop the
ALL teachers and stakeholders includ- what our school has infused to create necessary skills to advance in both
ing administration, non-certificated and sustain a culture of literacy. It reading and writing.
staff, parents, and most importantly, is our hope that the information and • Curriculum and Instruction:
our students. Luckily, the misuse of the programming implemented at the Literacy instruction is not confined
word “problem” a few years ago did not William Davies Middle School will to the walls of the ELA classroom.
impact our journey as we have suc- provide resources and tools from a An “all hands on deck” approach
cessfully cultivated a culture of literacy macro to micro approach. to literacy is used to ensure that
at the William Davies Middle School. mastery of skills is attainable.

Educational Viewpoints -40- Spring 2017