Literacy Collaborative at Lesley University

NEW! Literacy Collaborative featured in EdWeek as successful school improvement model.

Literacy Collaborative is a comprehensive school literacy improvement model based on the award-winning work of reading experts Dr. Irene Fountas and Dr. Gay Su Pinell. Since 1986, the Collaborative has partnered with districts and schools across the nation to improve the reading, writing and language skills of children in grades PreK-8. Our research-proven whole school literacy improvement model is recognized for helping to increase student achievement, improve teacher expertise, and build school communities that are "rich in books and words."

Literacy Collaborative provides tiered comprehensive instruction: 

  • Tiered instruction meeting the requirements of Response to Intervention (RTI) and aligning with the Common Core Standards in English Language Arts. Our core instructional framework (Tier 1) is designed for improving classroom instruction. Small group and individual interventions (Tiers 2 and 3) are provided for students who struggle with learning to read and write. Many Literacy Collaborative schools offer Leveled Literacy Intervention as small-group intervention for grades K-3 and Reading Recovery © as an intensive intervention for first graders.
  • A comprehensive instructional literacy framework for all grades that includes Reading Workshop, Guided Reading, Writing Workshop, and Language and Word Study. Based on decades of language and literacy development research, our student-centered approach emphasizes language development and student talk as the foundation for reading and writing. Our curriculum addresses the essential components of literacy instruction, including phonics and phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary development, comprehension strategies, and student engagement.
  • Training for a school-based literacy coach who will provide professional development and coaching to teachers at the school site. Through ongoing professional development and coaching, teachers learn to differentiate instruction to meet the individual needs of students, improve their teaching practice, and create a more cohesive professional community and student learning environment. Initial training for the coach is provided at Lesley University and after the initial training year, the coach continues to receive ongoing support and professional development.

Development of a school leadership team that supports and facilitates the school improvement process. The team analyzes student achievement data, monitors program implementation, evaluates program results, and communicates with the greater school community.

Literacy Collaborative Increases Average Rates of Student Literacy Growth

U.S. Department of Education research showed that in the Literacy Collaborative schools studied the average rates of student literacy growth in grades K-3 increased by 16% in Year 1 of implementation, 28% in Year 2, and 32% in Year 3. 

To learn more about Literacy Collaborative contact Christine Sarmatzis: 617.349.8798 or 800.999.1959 ext. 8798, email csarmatz@lesley.edu

 

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Center for Reading Recovery & Literacy Collaborative
1815 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor
Cambridge, MA 02140
617.349.8424
updated 05/14/12 | 11:06 AM