Lead Lit Topic: Supporting Struggling Learners
We’re in the midst of a paradigm shift when it comes to struggling learners. There is less emphasis on pull-out programs and one-on-one instruction, and more time spent collaborating with teachers to push in to support these students in classrooms. Yet each learner is unique, and the range of struggles requires a range of possibilities. Here is where you will find case studies and examples of strategies that have worked.
Results
Inclusion: What Does It Mean?
It’s been five years since all of our reading specialists, special education support, and ELL teachers starting servicing kids in the classroom, and this year, we finally stopped and took...
Assessment and Response to Intervention
Lisa is a third grader who has been in intervention for two years. She was placed in intervention based on the results of a universal screener. This screener determined her...
Coaching Minute: Strategic Reading for Our Youngest Learners
In this quick video tip, Tammy Mulligan and Clare Landrigan have wise advice for supporting strategic reading in young learners.
Breaking Tasks Down into Steps
One summer when I was in college, I had intensive training to work in a camp program that specialized in children with attention and behavior disorders. One of our lessons...
What Holds Students Back in Writing?
One of my guiding beliefs about writing is that people at all levels improve their writing skills by writing. Sometimes, I sit down and write and I don't like what...
Libraries for All: Considering Struggling Readers
Quietly I enter the classroom as reading workshop begins, glancing around the room to locate the readers with whom I plan to confer today. As a primary reading intervention teacher,...
Educating Parents on Supporting Boys
Working as a principal in a large suburban K-12 district that serves more than 9,000 students, we offer a lot of staff development for educators. In our desire to strengthen...
Repurposing a Classroom Library for Coaching and Intervention: Hooking Reluctant Readers in Grades 3-5
When I found out that I’d be moving into the new position of literacy coach and third-grade intervention teacher next year, my first thought was What am I going to...
Confessions of a Struggling Beginning Reader
If you had the chance to learn to read again, would you take it? Well, I leaped at the opportunity. I was so excited! I expected to gain all sorts...
Coaching Demonstration: Conferring with a Struggling Third-Grade Reader
Clare Landrigan works with third grader Reese as his teacher observes in this coaching demonstration conference.
The Worried Parent
Jackson’s parents came into my office one day in early November, right on time, and settled into the chairs across from me. From an earlier phone call, I knew they...
Keeping It Real for Students: Never Underestimate the Power of Reflection
Katie is a veteran teacher who willingly shares she is learning all the time. Her stance has evolved over time from the traditional preparation she received in her pre-service program...
Triangulating: The Importance of Multiple Data Points When Assessing Students
We went to a professional development session a few years ago with Elizabeth City and she gave us a name for something we have always believed - the importance of...
The Road to Rainbow Magic: Hannah’s Story
A comfortable calm came over the room. It was reading time and students were settling in together and alone. Some were enjoying the solitude of a beanbag chair while others...
Undercover Coach: Making Time to Work with Children
Have you ever watched the television show Undercover Boss? Each episode shows what happens when a high-ranking official of a company attempts to do an entry-level job in the company for...
The Power of Linking Words and Perceptions
It does not take long before we start to attach labels to children in any classroom. We begin to sort, both by academics and behavior. Soon we find ourselves using...
