Using Informative Assessments towards Effective Literacy Practices offers research driven solutions to improve student literacy success through the exploration of advancements in literacy assessment and instruction. Recommendations are provided on selecting appropriate assessments and effectively using data for planning and instruction

This must-read book for all literacy educators illuminates the intersection of research on literacy instruction and teacher evaluation. Since 2009, 46 states have changed or revised policies related to evaluating teachers and school leaders. In order for these new policies to be used to support and develop effective literacy instruction, resources are needed that connect the best of what is known about teaching literacy with current evaluation policies and support practices. A major contribution to meeting this need, the volume brings together a range of perspectives on tools, systems, and policies for the evaluation of teaching, organized into two sections: • Crafting Systems and Policies for Evaluating Literacy Instruction • Examples of Alternative Systems/Approaches for Evaluating Literacy Instruction Across the text, expert scholars in the field emphasize the need for literacy professionals to do more than merely apply generic observation instruments for teacher evaluation, but also to consider how these tools reflect professional values, how elements of effective literacy instruction can be unearthed or included within them, and how teacher evaluation systems and policies can be used to increase students’ opportunities to develop literacy.

This edited volume discusses how the Gradual Release of Responsibility model evolved and has been applied, how it benefits learners and teachers, and how it can be utilised for years to come.

We all recognize the countless benefits of differentiated instruction. The challenge is in its implementation. Faced with a classroom of 25 students-each with very different needs-how can we possibly keep every student on track and motivated? Through formative assessment and efficient follow-up instruction. This start-to-finish guide will show you how through seven classroom-tested practices for maximizing student learning. Experts on this subject, Leslie Laud and Pooja Patel demonstrate how to Establish new classroom norms Involve students in the use of assessment data and feedback to inform their next steps Clarify end-of-unit criteria to help map learning progression Apply assessment data to group students for tiered activities Differentiate assignments based on student readiness, characteristics, and interest Best of all, Using Formative Assessment to Differentiate Middle School Literacy Instruction is packed with vignettes, sample worksheets, and charts to assist you through each step in the process. Armed with this tool kit, you'll quickly discover new ways to keep all students engaged in their learning. Book jacket.

"This fully revised and updated edition of Next STEPS in Literacy Instruction links classroom screening and assessment with Tier 2 instruction and intervention, serving as a planning guide for K-6 educators"--

Now in a revised and updated fourth edition, this accessible text has given over 100,000 preservice and inservice teachers vital tools for systematic reading assessment in grades K–8. The book explains how to use both formal and informal assessments to evaluate students' strengths and needs in all components of reading. Effective, engaging methods for targeted instruction in each area are outlined. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes 30 reproducible tools, plus an additional multipage assessment in an online-only appendix. Purchasers get access to a companion website where they can download and print the reproducible materials. New to This Edition *Expanded coverage of the middle grades (4–8), including a new chapter and case study, and explicit attention to this grade range throughout; new coauthor Kevin Flanigan adds expertise in this area. *New and expanded topics: computer-based testing methods, assessing academic language, and how to use reading inventories more accurately. *Additional reproducible tools: informal reading inventory summary form, comprehension retelling forms for narrative and informational text, computer-based comprehension test comparison worksheet, revised Informal Decoding Inventory, and more.

"This book presents an easy-to-understand approach to a complex skill by employing accessible concepts and a research-based conception of classroom assessment. For today′s and tomorrow′s elementary teachers, this book is mandatory reading!" —W. James Popham, Emeritus Professor University of California, Los Angeles Use formative assessment to build language and literacy skills across the curriculum! Grounded in research and practice, this book shows both new and experienced elementary teachers how to use formative assessment as an integral part of effective language and literacy instruction for all students, including English language learners. This reader-friendly resource discusses the stages of literacy skill development and offers strategies for developing students understanding of academic language—the vocabulary used in classroom instruction and found in textbooks and tests. Alison L. Bailey and Margaret Heritage explain how formative assessment differs from other assessment models and demonstrate how their unique approach fits within broader frameworks for assessment and instruction. This guide provides instructors of both English language learners and native English speakers with the necessary tools to: Implement different kind of formative literacy assessments such as observations, planned-for interactions, and analyses of student responses Interpret the evidence gathered from formative assessments Develop a comprehensive system for assessing students Collaborate with colleagues, instructional leaders, and principals to build a culture that supports the use of formative literacy assessment Featuring authentic examples from classroom teachers and guidance for planning professional development in literacy assessment, this book gives educators the tools to implement this proven approach to literacy success!

"This core text introduces pre-service teachers to the essential components of literacy and describes how to effectively deliver explicit, evidence-based instruction on each component"--

Many tens of thousands of preservice and inservice teachers have relied on this highly regarded text from leading experts, now in a revised and updated sixth edition. The latest knowledge about literacy teaching and learning is distilled into flexible strategies for helping all PreK–12 learners succeed. The book addresses major components of literacy, the needs of specific populations, motivation, assessment, approaches to organizing instruction, and more. Each chapter features bulleted previews of key points; reviews of the research evidence; recommendations for best practices in action, including examples from exemplary classrooms; and engagement activities that help teachers apply the knowledge and strategies they have learned. New to This Edition *Incorporates the latest research findings and instructional practices. *Chapters on new topics: developmental word study and the physiological, emotional, and behavioral foundations of literacy learning. *Chapters offering fresh, expanded perspectives on writing and vocabulary. *Increased attention to timely issues: classroom learning communities, teaching English learners, and the use of digital tools and multimodal texts.

"The intent of this handbook is to provide a comprehensive, forward-looking, research-based resource for teachers, teacher-educators, and researchers on the key, inter-connected components of effective literacy instruction. The book is designed so that it is a readily useable resource for pre-service and practicing teachers as well. Every chapter in sections I, II, III, and IV includes substantial suggestions for implementing research-based practices in the classroom and for engaging in professional learning to help teachers increase their effectiveness as literacy instructors. Every chapter in section IV also includes substantial suggestions for fostering collaboration among staff and, when applicable, parents within schools"--