FAQs about the Partnership Around Literacy Strategies P.A.L.S.
· What IS the partnership?
o Oakland Unified has partnered with Aspire Public Schools to advance OUSD’s exposure to and understanding of Aspire’s model of literacy instruction. Approximately three OUSD schools will “partner” with Berkley Maynard Academy, an Aspire elementary school located on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland.
· What will IMPLEMENTATION look like?
o Partner Schools will engage in a study period guided by leaders from OUSD and Aspire from May-November 2010 and then apply to become a Partner School. In January-June 2011, Partner Schools will prepare to adopt pillars of the literacy model, so that effective implementation of the model occurs in the Fall of 2011.
· What is the time commitment for OFF-SITE visits?
o Approximately two visits to BMA in the spring of 2010, followed by about three off-site visits in the Summer and Fall of 2010.
· What does this LITERACY MODEL look like?
o Aspire’s literacy model aims to provide rigorous, standards-based reading and writing instruction through a combination of direct, whole-class and differentiated, small group or one-on-one instruction.
o The daily literacy block includes: 120 minutes of Reading Workshop (with comprehension strategy instruction and leveled reading groups), 50-60 minutes of writing workshop (with explicit mini-lessons and extensive independent practice), and 20-30 minutes of Word Work (covering phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency standards)
· What types of instructional MATERIALS would be used?
o Leveled books are used for guided reading instruction
o Trade books are used for comprehension strategy instruction
o Lucy Calkins’ resource materials are used for writing instruction
o Additionally, teacher-created materials are used for standards-based instruction
o Oakland Unified has partnered with Aspire Public Schools to advance OUSD’s exposure to and understanding of Aspire’s model of literacy instruction. Approximately three OUSD schools will “partner” with Berkley Maynard Academy, an Aspire elementary school located on San Pablo Avenue in Oakland.
· What will IMPLEMENTATION look like?
o Partner Schools will engage in a study period guided by leaders from OUSD and Aspire from May-November 2010 and then apply to become a Partner School. In January-June 2011, Partner Schools will prepare to adopt pillars of the literacy model, so that effective implementation of the model occurs in the Fall of 2011.
· What is the time commitment for OFF-SITE visits?
o Approximately two visits to BMA in the spring of 2010, followed by about three off-site visits in the Summer and Fall of 2010.
· What does this LITERACY MODEL look like?
o Aspire’s literacy model aims to provide rigorous, standards-based reading and writing instruction through a combination of direct, whole-class and differentiated, small group or one-on-one instruction.
o The daily literacy block includes: 120 minutes of Reading Workshop (with comprehension strategy instruction and leveled reading groups), 50-60 minutes of writing workshop (with explicit mini-lessons and extensive independent practice), and 20-30 minutes of Word Work (covering phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency standards)
· What types of instructional MATERIALS would be used?
o Leveled books are used for guided reading instruction
o Trade books are used for comprehension strategy instruction
o Lucy Calkins’ resource materials are used for writing instruction
o Additionally, teacher-created materials are used for standards-based instruction
