Assignment Task: Interviewing and Shadowing A Reading Specialist
Search for Public Schools - JEFFERSON CO ELEM SCHOOL (280222000426)
Directions:
Begin your assignment with a short introduction, describing the school and the reading specialist's background and qualifications for this position.
Interview a reading specialist, a reading consultant or coordinator, or any other individual who plans or oversees reading programs at the school or district level. A tape recorder may be used with the permission of the interviewee. Follow-up questions should be used when appropriate.
Shadow the reading specialist for a minimum of three separate days for a total of ten hours and actively participate in activities in which the reading specialist is involved including text selection, grouping, and instructional approach decision-making. This might include coaching teachers or students, participating in school meetings or meetings with parents, and district-wide activities. You must observe an assessment session. Ask the specialist why he/she is using that particular assessment and what was learned.
Reflect upon your experiences in writing and share your insights with colleagues and your instructor in this class.
After interviewing and shadowing the reading specialist and participating in all activities, respond to the following questions:
1. What is the specialist's philosophy about reading, and what does she/he perceive to be a good reading program. What are his/her position pertaining to phonics, whole-language, literature-based reading, and skills-based curriculum? (ILA/NCATE 2.1)
2. How does this reading specialist select curriculum materials for reading and working collaboratively with the district and others during a reading adoption? (ILA/NCATE 2.3)
3. How does the reading specialist use assessment information to plan and evaluate instruction? (ILA/NCATE 3.3)
4. How does the reading specialist communicate assessment results and implications to a variety of audiences? (ILA/NCATE 3.4)
5. How does the reading specialist recognize, understand, and value the forms of diversity that exist and their importance in learning to read and write? (ILA/NCATE 4.1)
6. How does the literacy specialist develop and implement strategies to advocate for equity? (ILA/NCATE 4.3)
7. How does the reading specialist design social environments that are low risk and optimizes students' opportunities for learning to read and write: for example, teaching students who struggle or supporting teachers in their efforts to provide effective instruction for all students? (ILA/NCATE 5.2)
8. How does the reading specialist display positive dispositions related to his/her own reading and writing and the teaching of reading and writing and pursue the development of individual professional knowledge and behavior with colleagues, community members, parents, etc.? (ILA/NCATE 6.2)
9. What local, state, or national policy decisions affect the reading specialist's decisions for the reading programs in his/her school? (ILA/NCATE 6.4)
10. Develop three questions related to the reading specialist's role that arose as a result of your interview, shadowing, and/or participation. Then research each question, using at least two sources including Dr. Rita Bean, an expert on the role of the reading specialist, to discover possible answers. (ILA/NCATE 1.3)
Conclusion:
What conclusions can you draw from this reading specialist's views? What is your evaluation of his/her positions, and why?