As we have developed our own literacy theory of action as a district, this book has a stand alone theory of literacy learning that was very impactful for me to read.
"IF...teachers embrace literacy as access to power and reading as emancipatory,
THEN...they possess the dispositional stances that will enable their students to become culturally competent and personally confident."
Literacy must be the very foundation for our continuous learning as as system. Literacy teaching and learning should drive our continuous improvement efforts. We can all read countless examples of schools and districts that have increased student achievement and have the data to prove it.
Significant improvement in student achievement can occur in a short time when a system focuses on a manageable combination of priorities. Fullan says, "Precision strategies focusing on collective capacity dramatically accelerates the pace and effectiveness of change."
As we have made the commitment to focusing our professional learning on literacy, what do you truly believe about literacy and literacy instruction? What actions have you taken this year that are in line with your beliefs? There is no better time than now to re-commit to this moral imperative.
