Writing Across the Content Areas: Implementing a Comprehensive Model to Improve Literacy

Thursday February 6, 2020
2:15 - 3:00 PM
A411

*VIDEO NOT AVAILABLE FOR THIS SESSION*

This session will document the successful implementation of a writing across the content areas initiative in the Rockdale County GA. Public Middle Schools. Information will be provided about how significant student achievement gains in reading and writing were obtained by addressing professional development, change management, leadership enablement, student engagement and capacity-building for teachers. You will also learn about how the ThinkCERCA platform supported the initiative by providing an online curriculum for driving reading and writing across the content areas in grades 4-12 that integrates an evidence-based argumentative writing framework, close reading instruction and student collaborations to build critical thinking skills. The engaging and authentic texts in ELA, math, science and social studies are easily differentiated by teachers across reading levels and aligned by common essential questions.

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Presenters
Shirley Chesser

Mrs. Shirley Chesser currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Rockdale County Public Schools and was previously the interim Superintendent. Mrs. Chesser has over twenty years of experience working in public education and has served as a teacher, principal, Superintendent, and director of Professional Learning.
Erika Tucker

Dr. Erika Tucker has worked in public education for 19 years. She received her BA in English Literature and Africana Studies as well as an MAT in Secondary English Education from Agnes Scott College. She holds a leadership certificate from the University of West Georgia and Ph. D. in Language and Literacy Education from the University of Georgia. Her educational research interests include disciplinary literacy, culturally relevant pedagogy, and assessment practices.

 

Dr. Tucker has held several positions, including ELA teacher, Title I instructional coach, assistant principal, and district coordinator. She currently serves as an ELA Specialist with the Metropolitan Regional Education Service Agency (MetroRESA), which serves twelve public school districts in the state of Georgia. In addition, Dr. Tucker is the co-author of the chapter “Family-School Partnerships” in Research to Guide Practice in Middle Grades Education. She has also reviewed several education publications, including The Teacher Clarity Playbook and Developing Assessment Capable Learners.
Type:
Lecture
Theme:
instruction
Audience:
building leaders
Categories:
school improvement