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Friday, May 18, 2012

English Language Arts
Welcome to English/Language Arts
 

At Atlanta Public Schools, the English/Language Arts program is under the auspices of the Office of Literacy, Social Studies and World Languages in the Department for Learning Excellence. Our goal is to ensure that all students receive high quality, standards-based literacy instruction by teaching to and through the strengths of students. To this end, we endeavor to provide a balanced curriculum and responsive pedagogy that will prepare students academically and socially to meet the challenges of a global society.


Spotlights                                                                                                                                    
 
Common Core State Standards 
The Common Core Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governor’s Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers. The Common Core State Standards were developed to instill a common understanding for students, parents and educators about what students should know and be able to do by the time they graduate high school that are aligned to college and career expectations. The Common Core State Standards include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills and are internationally benchmarked so that all students are prepared to succeed in the global economy.  
 
To learn more about Common Core, visit the links below.

 

Upcoming Events                                                                                                                  

Governor's Honors Program (GHP)
The selection process for outstanding ELA students in grades 10 and 11 to participate in the 2011-2012 Governor's Honors Communicative Arts Program will begin in September 2011. Teachers are asked to make recommendations based on the student's ability to communicate orally and in written form. Please contact your school's Guidance Counselor for information on this year's program and the application process.
 
Jumpstart's Read for the Record Campaign - Oct. 6, 2011
 On October 6, 2011, more than 2 million voices will call for an end to America's early education achievement gap by reading Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney – setting a world record in the process! 
 
To learn more, visit www.readfortherecord.org.
 
Read, Excel, Achieve, Lead (R.E.A.L.) Men Read
R.E.A.L. Men Read is a mentoring program designed to deepen literacy and instill a love of reading in students through mentors who are willing to share an hour with engaging, grade-appropriate books.

In the 2010-2011 school year, R.E.A.L. Men Read was implemented in each Atlanta Public Schools elementary school at the second-grade level. We targeted second-graders to counter what researchers have termed “the fourth grade slump.” This is a period during a student’s matriculation when students are transitioning from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.” Researchers recognize this as a time in a student’s development when they need extra support to make the transition to a fully proficient reader. Students unable to make this transition fall victim to “the fourth grade slump.”

Last school year, R.E.A.L. Men Read was a huge success with mentors, students, parents, and teachers. Listed below are just a few of the key findings from our end of the year survey of students, teachers, and mentors:
  • Ratio of mentors to students: 17:1
  • Total number of student books distributed: 27,013 (seven per student) 
  • Total no. hours mentors read aloud to students: 1,162
  • 90% of teachers reported the books were engaging for the students. 
  • 81% of teachers reported the readings encouraged students to read more. 
  • 88% mentors reported group discussions were vibrant and lively. 
  • 81% of mentors felt that the readings encouraged independent inquiry by the students.
For more information about R.E.A.L. Men Read or to apply to serve as a mentor during the 2011-2012 school year, please visit http://www.apsrealmenread.com.

Professional Learning                                                                                                             

Reading Endorsement
Atlanta Public Schools in conjunction with the Metro Regional Services Agency (MRESA) is offering the Reading Endorsement Program. The Metro RESA Reading Endorsement prepares educators to demonstrate competency at assessing students literacy needs and planning appropriate for the needs of students in Georgia Public School classrooms. Candidate admission to the Metro RESA Reading Endorsement Program requires the following:
  • A valid, clear, renewable Georgia Teaching Certificate (copy of teaching certificate must be included)
  • Minimum of Bachelor's degree in education
  • Minimum of three years teaching experience (exceptions may include NCLB highly qualified requirements)
The Endorsement is divided into three courses consisting of 5 PLUs each. Completion of the following three courses is required in order to add to the base certificate.

Teaching Reading in a Pluralistic Society
Reading Assessment, Diagnosis and Evaluation
Teaching Reading and Writing in the Content Areas 
 
If you are interested in the program or have additional questions, please contact Audrey Glascoe at 404-802-2623. 
 

Professional Learning Day - October 11, 2011

ELA Middle and High school teachers will participate in professional learning on October 11, 2011. Details about time, location, and topics are forthcoming.  
 
NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) National Convention
The 2011 NCTE Annual Convention will be held November 17-20, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois at Chicago Hilton Hotel and the Palmer House. 
 
Sessions on key topics for literacy educators:
  • Writing at the elementary, middle, secondary, and college levels
  • Reading at the elementary, middle, secondary, and college levels
  • Early childhood sessions and special day of programming 
  • College and Career Readiness 
  • Standards 
  • 21st Century Literacy and Digital Literacy or Critical Literacy 
  • Adolescent Literacy
  • Content Area Literacy 
  • Professional Development and Learning Communities
  • Assessment 
  • Curriculum 
  • Literacy Coaching and Leadership 
 
For more information please visit www.ncte.org.