Re-envisioning the Future of Literacy: Part 2 with Dr. Deb Peterson and Dr. Mary Jacobson

February Celebrations: Black History Month & I Love to Read Month

• Author studies focused on authors of color
• A variety of texts, graphic novels, author websites or virtual author visits
• Martin’s Big Words
• No More Culturally Irrelevant Teaching

What’s happening at the state policy level?

• New ELA standards will be fully implemented fall of 2023 and assessed in ‘25-26
• MCA IV criteria and decision making is currently taking place
•  LETRS training
• Emphasis on the teacher licensing standards and backgrounds
• Licensure requirements around professional development in reading is changing for more veteran staff
• Minnesota Department of Education -- policy, guidance, and support on dyslexia

Get Connected!

• Share good news about what you’re doing in the classroom
• International Literacy Association for a national and international perspective on policy
• Minnesota Reading Association for state-level policy and professional learning
• Leaders in Reading Network 
• Higher Education Literacy Partnership (HELP)\
• Check out a free Summer Book Club provided by HELP. This summer’s focus: Multi-Lingual Learners

Literacy re-envisioned:

• Consider the ways we organize children for learning; competency-based vs biological age
• Rethink how we organize and staff our human resources
• How the teacher uses the tool (including technology) is the differentiator
• Collaboration around data analysis should involve multiple perspectives and roles
• Ensure instructional tools are being used as intended (i.e. Levels and Lexile numbers)
• Consider the (enabling) context of literacy practices
• Get familiar with implantation science; one resource: National Implementation Resource Network (NIRN)
• Recognize and respond to preconceived bias about what child can or can’t do 
• Restructure systems that create barriers to maintaining effective literacy practices
  •   Frequent initiative changes
  • Revolving door of resources
  • Leadership changes that shift the focus

Strategies & Advice:

• Don’t underestimate the impact you have on others
• Thank one of your mentors
• Invite a school board member into your classroom
• Give yourself permission to give up practices that are no longer effective

Connect with Deb and Mary:
Email Dr. Debra Peterson [email protected] or Dr. Mary Jacobson at

Find more educational resources by topic at https://www.mn.sourcewell.org/education/podcast

Learn more about upcoming trainings and events for educators at www.mn.sourcewell.org/education