Getting Schoolwide Literacy Up and Running

Author: Meltzer, J., Ziema, S.
Publisher: National Association of Secondary School Principals
Publication Date: 2006, September
Journal: Principal Leadership
Full text available online at: http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/bin.asp?CID=1606&DID=54164&DOC=FILE.PDF

Abstract (written by WestEd)

This article emphasizes that a schoolwide "literacy action plan" is essential to the success of any stated focus on literacy. Using the experiences of various schools, this article provides the following lessons for a school principal leading a literacy initiative:

1. Collaborate with teachers to create a schoolwide literacy vision to which the entire staff is willing to commit.


2. Institute a three-year, meaningfully sequenced professional development series on literacy that aligns with other schoolwide initiatives and which allows teachers collaboration time.


3. Establish follow-up procedures to ensure implementation of literacy strategies, including walk-throughs, classroom observations, team and department meetings, and personal and professional goals linked to literacy development.


4. Work with the literacy team to review assessments for quality and to standardize assessments throughout the school.


5. Aim for continuous improvement in student literacy.

The article also provides a checklist of four factors that affect teachers' motivation to implement literacy instruction in their classrooms: school environment, engagement, expectations, and encouragement and support.