Nov. 30, 2022

During the November meeting of the Teaching and Learning Board Advisory Committee, district Literacy Coordinator Dr. Sarah Valter and Executive Director of Elementary Education Dr. Craig Hamby shared a presentation about literacy instruction and how it continues to evolve to meet the individualized needs of learners.

Lindbergh’s vision of literacy is to offer a system of literacy instruction that is comprehensive in integrating foundational skills, the 4 C’s (critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration), and enjoyment of reading to develop independent, lifelong readers and writers.

For several years, Lindbergh has grouped students in elementary school by general reading levels that are defined by a number of variables (ex: Level E). While research shows that differentiation in reading instruction is effective, there is a lack of evidence to support differentiation that is based solely on reading levels. For example, different students could fall into the same general reading level but have different areas of strengths or needs.  Since the implementation of Standards-Based Learning this fall, Lindbergh has begun making adjustments to small group instruction to better align with this research and the skills and standards students are expected to master in each grade level. Specifically, professional learning and instructional coaching are focused on looking at many different variables in grouping to better support our developing readers. This work includes a shift from reading level-based expectations toward skill-based expectations.

The Teaching and Learning Committee provides input on teaching and learning within Lindbergh Schools. This includes learning about current curriculum and instructional practices as well as future-ready practices for instruction. As a part of this committee, members will provide feedback and suggestions for subjects undergoing curriculum revision as well as input on priorities for student learning.

This committee is chaired by Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tara Sparks, Executive Director of Secondary Education Dr. Ronni Zagora, and Executive Director of Elementary Education Dr. Craig Hamby.

The next meeting is set to be held Jan. 20, 2023.