On November 14, 2019, Deborah Reed, Ph.D., shared resources available through Iowa Reading Research Center, which include opportunities for eLearning and information about the Early Literacy Blueprint Initiative: High-Priority Milestones for K-3 Literacy Development. Members also engaged in substantive conversation when reviewing the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) Student Achievement Levels and the impact of the cut scores to determine the next steps.

Optional lunch table talks were available to network and explore topics. SLLT Planning Committee members, Emily Hayden and Jill Siefken, shared experiences utilizing resources with pre-service teachers. The focus of their talk was on Shift 1, text complexity, and the importance of using text sets K-12, pulling in resources from previous professional learning opportunities: "Student Achievement Partners' Tools and Resources Presentation," an in-person training co-led by Leigh Bellville and Carolyn Glicklich (April 2017), and the Standards Professional Learning Opportunities ELA/Literacy Modules available via AEA Learning Online (January 2019). Kristine Milburne, SLLT Planning Committee member, was also available for a lunch table talk discussing the journey to standards-referenced grading, pulling in resources by Marzano and Solution Tree. 

In the afternoon, Brad Niebling, Chief, Bureau of Learner Strategies and Supports, and Tina Wahlert, School Improvement Professional Development Consultant with Green Hills Area Education Agency, engaged members in learning around C4K, MTSS, ESSA, and evidence-based practices. Jake Welchans also visited the team to share information relating to Future Ready Iowa and the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning.

As one semester starts winding down, we turn our attention to the next. When drafting lesson plans, try something different: Bring a hands-on, real-world project into the classroom.

Educators who are doing this share: It brings a deeper level of understanding to students of the subject matter. Subjects that may seem remote or irrelevant suddenly become real. Real-world projects engage students like never before. 

Check out the projects on the Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-based Learning. There are well over 100 projects; the businesses are eager to work with teachers and students.

Do you want to begin, but seek additional guidance? AEA representatives can assist with the next steps. If you have other questions, contact the Iowa Department of Education’s Jake Welchans at jake.welchans@iowa.gov.

Educators reach out with questions or recommendations for aligned curriculum frequently. While the Department does not recommend a specific publisher or set of materials, we do emphasize the importance of determining alignment to the Iowa academic standards in ELA/Literacy to help ensure that all students are college and career ready in literacy no later than the end of high school. We often refer others to an organization that provides detailed reports. 

EdReports.org is an independent nonprofit designed to improve education by providing reviews of K-12 instructional materials. There are now educator-reviewed reports for more than 70 math and English Language Arts programs. Educators can compare specific materials based on gateways that measure standards‑alignment. 

The Iowa Core Literacy Standards (“the Standards”) are designed to help ensure that all students are college and career ready in literacy no later than the end of high school. The Standards are not a curriculum, but rather define what all students are expected to know and be able to do, not how teachers should teach (see https://iowacore.gov/iowa-core/subject/literacy for more information).

If you are currently in an adoption cycle or would like to explore materials that have been reviewed by educators, EdReports.org can help move forward. 

Congratulations to Tamela Johnson from Humboldt Community School District! She is now a digital ambassador for Student Achievement Partners (Achievethecore.org). 

Tamela is the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and the Preschool and English Language Program Director. She also served as a member of the Iowa Core Advocate Network for ELA/Literacy. An archive of all the Iowa Core Advocate Network meeting recordings and slides are available under the "Learn" tab for free professional learning purposes: bit.ly/iowacorenetwork.

In her role as digital ambassador, Tamela will share important updates and resources. Student Achievement Partners (SAP) is a nonprofit dedicated to improving student achievement. All resources that Student Achievement Partners creates are open source and available at no cost. The SAP Core Advocate Network hosts monthly webinars nationally on a variety of topics related to college- and career-ready standards.

Other Twitter handles to follow:

@achievethecore

@iacoreadvocates

@IADeptofEd

What are you doing to align instructional practice and implement the Iowa Academic Standards?

Are you utilizing tools to design instruction, assess learning, or create professional development that supports all students meeting Iowa Core expectations in literacy?

Share your work and celebrations via the Spotlight Literacy Google Form. A literacy spotlight will be chosen each month!

Leigh Bellville
Literacy Consultant
Bureau of Leading, Teaching, Learning Services
Iowa Department of Education
Grimes State Office Building
400 E 14th St
Des Moines, IA 50319
515-689-3717
leigh.bellville@iowa.gov