Vision2020-Web

BOARD GOAL 1
Balanced Literacy Framework
WHY?
In order for YISD to ensure success in reading and writing, it is essential to provide differentiated instructional practices that meet the needs
of all students. Consequently, student achievement gaps will decrease within a Balanced Literacy Framework that provides differentiated
instruction and resources aligned with state standards. Small-group instruction is also a critical component of this Framework because it
supports consistent academic growth of all students.
HOW WILL WE DO THIS?
To identify the needs and reading levels of all K-8 students, we will use various assessments based on the Commissioner’s List of Reading
Assessments. Specific interventions will be provided through online resources – such as Istation and Imagine Learning – as well as teacherdirected,
skill-based lessons. Pre-K teachers will utilize the CIRCLE assessment through Texas School Ready to identify developmental skills
and needs in reading for specific students. Writing will be emphasized at all grade levels with genre-specific pieces collected at each grade
level.
2015-2016 Action Plan
YISD purchased a leveled-library bookroom and other instructional resources for elementary and K-8 campuses in 2015, and
provided professional development for all K-5 teachers from June 2015 to August 2015. This training focused on components
of the Framework and how the bookroom could be used to support small-group and differentiated instruction. Teachers who
attended this training were credited for holiday exchange dates, as well as six-hour GT updates in the area of differentiated
instruction.
All elementary and K-8 campus instructional coaches, interventionists, and campus technology personnel received additional
training on other Framework components during the first week of August, using a Train-the-Trainer model. This included reading
and writing, Istation, and Imagine Learning. The training was replicated at every elementary and pre-K through eighth-grade
campus, and key Framework components were disseminated to campus personnel during the August professional development
week.
Throughout 2015-2016, campus leadership teams – including principals – received on-site training on other key components
of the Framework. Again, this training was replicated at every elementary and K-8 campus. These combined efforts led to a new
Balanced Literacy Framework with a blended-learning approach in pre-K through fifth grades.
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2016-2017
YISD verified the effectiveness of the new Balanced Literacy
Framework at all elementary schools and continued supporting
campus leadership teams by providing aligned resources and
professional development. The Framework was implemented
at middle schools, and leveled libraries were purchased to
begin the guided reading component the following school year.
2017-2018
The effectiveness of the Balanced Literacy Framework will be
measured as it pertains to students’ academic progress, with
a continued emphasis on how to differentiate instruction for
all students. In order to develop a strong literacy foundation in
2017-18 STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN
the early grades, emphasis will be placed on students in pre-K
through second grades.
2018-2019
The Balanced Literacy Framework will be enhanced and
extended to include every grade (pre-K through 12th) in order
to significantly close the academic achievement gap.
2019-2020
YISD will showcase the effectiveness of the district curriculum
and initiatives using state and federal progress measures and
data related to the academic success of all students.