The Current Reality of Literacy: Part 1 with Dr. Deb Peterson and Dr. Mary Jacobson

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

•  Flood the classroom library with texts from various cultures and backgrounds

• Be mindful of “windows and mirrors”

•  Read authors from a variety of racial backgrounds

What’s “hot” in literacy? 

•  Early literacy skills or foundational skills

•  Effective instructional strategies for struggling readers

•  Equity, access to high-quality, diverse books, and content

•  Science of Reading

How should we respond?

•  There will never be a one-size-fits-all for every student 

•  Encourage critical thinkers and readers 

•  We grow, change, learn, and take the best of what works with us

•  Sometimes implementation is the problem, not the original intent of the work

•  Know better, do better 

The truth about Teacher Preparation Programs

• Minnesota teacher licensing standards, including systemic, explicit phonics, has been in place for 10 years 

•  What is taught and what is implemented isn’t always the same

• Minnesota higher ed faculty is continually learning, including participating in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teacher of Reading and Spelling) training

•  Terminology changes, but many ideas behind them are consistent.  

What isn’t changing?

•  Using student data to guide decision making  

•  Diverse student populations with diverse needs

•  Teacher read alouds 

•  Collaborating with our colleagues

•  Time for professional learning 

Strategies & Advice:

•  Decrease teacher talk, increase student’s ability to think, talk, and write in response to text 

•  Keep good company that remembers their “why”

•  Once we get into the profession, our learning is truly just beginning

Resources & References: 

•  International Literacy Association 

•  LETRS training

•  The National Reading Panel Report 

•  The Windows and Mirrors of Your Child’s Bookshelf – Grace Lin Ted Talk

Reflection Questions:

•  Which of the “what’s hot” literacy topics are you currently studying?  What is affirming? What is challenging?

•  How are you supporting critical readers and thinkers with exposure to a variety of texts?

•  Would your colleagues identify you as “good company?”? Why or why not?

Connect with Deb and Mary:

Email Dr. Debra Peterson [email protected] or Dr. Mary Jacobson at [email protected] 

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