It is a belief in the District that assessment has the greatest value when it informs instruction. Hence, Developing Readers was created to be the instructional support component to complement RAD 36. The intent of Developing Readers is to support teachers in the classroom with instructional strategies using evidence from the assessment to guide their practice. Developing Readers was created based on proficient readers' research. It aligns with categories of reading defined by the Ministry of Education, and employs the gradual release of responsibility model (Vygotsky et al).

Funded through the Ministry of Education Literacy Grant, the project embeds a leadership/mentoring component within each participating school. In 2006-2007, 61 schools and the Aboriginal Education Department volunteered to be part of Developing Readers. In 2007-2008, the number of participating schools increased to 75. With the support of CISC staff, teachers and administrators are working together to deepen their understanding of teaching and learning in the context of reading across the curriculum. 2008 – 2009 saw 81 schools and in 2009 – 2010 47 schools participated in Developing Readers.

One of the key Guiding Principles for Developing Readers is that teachers - not programs - are central to a student's success. No commercial product or resource, regardless of its quality, can be as effective as a knowledgeable teacher whose instructional decisions are based on students' needs and interests.

To purchase a copy of the Developing Readers resource (TBC 124007), please contact Learning Resources (604- 594-8922). Each binder includes a CD with the complete Developing Readers resource in electronic format.

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Now in its eighth year, this project continues to encourage Inner City project schools to implement programs initiatives that improve students' literacy skills. In 2006-2007, the project was reviewed to reassess several elements:

• What is valued as Inner City Literacy project schools
  
  
• Project design (levels of support, what's working, what's not)
  
  
• Research-based understandings about assessment for learning
  
  
• New understandings about professional learning
  
  

In 2009-2010, the ten participating schools continue to receive support and in service from the District that focuses on the latest research on assessment for learning, and how it makes a difference for at-risk learners. The current focus of the project is Early Learning.

 

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Inspired and facilitated by three Surrey teachers, this lively group (now in its sixth year) continues to grow. Come and join K-12 colleagues throughout the year for engaging, professional discussions about promising practices in literacy education. Participants will receive one book as the basis for discussion.

Meetings happen six times throughout the year at MB Sanford Elementary, starting at 4 pm. Dinner is provided! Meeting dates:

• October
• December
• January
• February
• April
• May
  
  

To register for the Literacy Professional Reading Group (K-12), go to "District Workshops" on FirstClass. Look for Literacy K-12 Workshops inside "SD Workshops".

PLEASE NOTE:  Bring any books you would like to recommend to the first meeting. Book selections and book distribution will take place at the beginning of the school year.

For further information, please contact Karen Coumont (CISC)

 

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RAD 36 is an "assessment for learning" and "assessment of learning" tool that focuses on informational reading for grades 1 through 9. Developed and used extensively throughout the District, RAD 36 was initiated as a result of teachers requesting a reading comprehension assessment that would serve to inform instruction. It is designed to give teachers descriptive feedback in three aspects of reading described in the BC Performance Standards: strategies, comprehension and analysis.

 

The primary purpose of RAD 36 is to help students learn more about themselves as readers and to help teachers plan for systematic, comprehension instruction.

 

RAD 36 is available for use in each Surrey school.

 

In order to receive the most recent version of RAD and supporting materials (Answer Key, e-Collection Form, and Implementation Tips) please order direcltly through reprographics.

 

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This district initiative for grade 7 and 8 teachers supports and enhances professional practice in the area of content-based writing.

 

In this first year of a two-year cycle, teachers from 15 elementary and 11 secondary schools will meet four times to collaborate and explore best practice in writing instruction based on current research.

 

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