The annual testing in grades 3-8 beginning in 2006 has shown a performance gap in English Language Arts, especially in the middle grades. Following the introduction of grade 3,5,6,7 as well as continuation of grades 4 and 8 state assessments, NYSUT's Literacy Institute will assist teachers in helping their students increase their literacy skills.

Program Description

This year's Literacy Institute will feature the results of a rigorous study of effective literacy practices, entitled "Partnership for Literacy", and conducted by Dr. Judith Langer, Distinguished Professor, University at Albany, School of Education. In the keynote address, Dr. Langer will offer a programmatic vision, a set of principles and real life examples to guide educators who wish to inform their practice with research-based knowledge in order to best help their students become more highly literate. Drawing on her five-year study of classes in twenty-five schools, Dr. Langer will share the essential features of teachers' professional development and of curriculum and instruction that mark the more effective programs, and whose students become better readers and writers and earn higher test scores.

The afternoon sessions will provide an opportunity to meet teachers involved in the study who will conduct facilitated application activities to bring the strategies to life.

Who should attend?

• Teachers in regular classrooms grades 3-8
• Special educators, reading specialists, academic intervention specialists (AIS)
• Librarians and others who work with students in grades 3-8.

Why should I attend?

• Learn instructional strategies to improve your students' reading skills
• Meet colleagues who teach grades similar to you from around the state
• Enjoy a day of stimulating intellectual conversation
• Be part of the solution to closing the achievement gaps

A Pre Institute Event - "Meet Jackie Robinson"

Friday, February 2, 2007. 7:30 pm

Join us for A Literacy Workshop with the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum - Hosted by James Yasko, Manager of Visitor Education. Journey back to 1947 in celebration of Black History Month for a face-to-face encounter with Jackie Robinson. Walk with the legendary Brooklyn Dodger as he steps across the color line to become Major League Baseball's first African-American star of the 20th century. Portrayed by professional actor Gregory Gibson Kenney, Robinson's character comes to life in a dramatic presentation of learning and literacy, reading and writing inspired by a true-to-life pioneer of America's early civil rights movement. You won't want to miss this exciting and relevant performance!

An optional dinner is available for a $25.00 fee from 6:30-7:30pm Registration is required.

Literacy Institute

Saturday, February 3, 2007. 10am-3:30pm

Outcomes: Participants will use the information about strategies to improve student performance in literacy learned at the morning session, along with the facilitated afternoon sessions, to reflect on their classroom practices.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
  Registration, Continental Breakfast
• 10: 00 AM - 10:30 AM
  Welcome by Maria Neira, Vice President NYSUT and Dean Susan Phillips, University of Albany, School of Education
• 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
  Keynote by Dr. Judith Langer, A Partnership for Literacy Director Achievement (CELA) and, University at Albany. Director, Albany, Institute for Research on Education
• 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
  Q&A
• 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  Lunch
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  Three Sessions: Participants from Grades 3 and 4; Grades 5 and 6; Grades 7 and 8.
  Facilitated by teachers from schools using Dr. Langer's research in their classroom and participating in professional development opportunities and in-school support.
• 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
  Wrap-up and next steps

Follow-up Sessions

Saturday, May 5, 2007 from 9am-12pm

As part of your overall Institute experience this year, and at no additional cost, you may attend a follow-up session. Further instructions will be provided at the Institutes.

The sessions will take place at three locations at NYSUT Offices in:

• Albany
• Syracuse
• Elmsford

With NYSUT Education and Learning Trust (ELT) instructors as guides, you will have an opportunity to reflect on the research, thinking, and instructional strategies you learned about at the Institutes, and hopefully, have had a chance to apply in your classrooms. You will be participating in a facilitated professional development conversation, talking and sharing with colleagues, what you learned, its application in your classroom, and perhaps new questions that will enhance your experience. Please bring examples of student work, lessons, materials or instructional strategies resulting from what you learned at the Institutes and have had an affect on student learning. You will also have an opportunity to bring a colleague who may not have had a chance to attend the Institute, but with whom you work to share and expand on your experience.