Spring 2016

Literacy is important at Wesley
School and we began this school year
with a school-wide focus on writing
instruction. Students are participating
in daily opportunities to increase their
independence in writing by using a
combination of First Authors Writing
Curriculum and the 4 Block Literacy
Model. At the beginning of the school
year, staff developed a writing inventory
assessment to effectively measure
the progress of every Wesley School
student. Last October, Wesley teachers
and support staff presented the research
and tools for staff to use when working
with students. Common assumptions
and the new perspectives were shared
with all staff, revealing how important
literacy is for all students. Teachers
shared videos of lessons and trained
all staff to use the common writing
inventory assessment tool.
Students with cognitive disabilities
need daily exposure and opportunities
to write! Teachers are finding new
and fun ways to engage them in the
writing process. Topic selection plays
a huge role in student interest and
engagement in writing. Students are
using a variety of media to find topics
that are fun, relevant, and inspire
their writing creativity! Students are
using Google, pictures from field trips,
magazine photos, and more to create
author’s tool kits. Writers use these
tool kits to save writing pieces, which
helps with ideas and spelling support.
Whether students are writing about an
opinion, listing their favorite objects,
classmates, or a personal narrative,
there is a way for everyone to engage
in writing!
Core words are being used to connect
the dots in writing! Students are
learning to write, using many of the
core words being learned throughout
the year. It is exciting to see students
use new core vocabulary in their
writing. Classrooms are encouraged to
participate in the four blocks method
of literacy instruction, which includes
shared reading, guided reading,
writing, and working with words.
Predictable chart writing is a daily
activity for
Wesley students.
The computer lab at Wesley School
looks different, with new adapted
keyboards, flipcharts, slant boards, easy
mark pencils, and label makers. All
students are able to find a pencil that
works for them and their individual
learning needs.
On March 3, 2016, a small group of
Wesley staff presented their journey
of writing instruction for students
with the most complex needs at the
Michigan Council for Exceptional
Children Annual Conference in
Grand Rapids.
submitted by Mary Bradley, Principal Wesley School,
231-767-7303 or mbradley@muskegonisd.org,
Julie Steketee, Occupational Therapist Wesley School,
231-767-7309 or jsteketee@muskegonisd.org,
Katie Patton, SCI Teacher Wesley School,
231-767-4306 or kpatton@muskegonisd.org, and
Lisa Pierce, SXI Teacher Wesley School,
231-767-4315 or lpierce@muskegonisd.org
Annual Event Connects Students with Opportunities
On January 21-22, 2016 Wesley School partnered with Health West to host a Community Opportunities
Open House for Wesley and Transition students, who will be graduating next year, and their parents.
The goal of this event was to connect students with programs and resources to prepare
for program completion. Wesley looks forward to hosting this event annually.
submitted by Mary Bradley, Principal of Wesley School, 231-767-7303 or mbradley@muskegonisd.org