Reconceptualizing Literacy

Session Description: It is time to reconceptualize literacy. We used to think that demographics were a big determinant of students’ academic destiny.  Now we focus less on deficits and more on providing opportunities to learn.  We used to “wait and see” as a solution for struggling readers, hoping they would “catch up”, but now we know that we MUST prioritize prevention and intervention.  We used to believe that reading is natural, but now we know that speaking is natural, reading is rocket science, and that we literally rewire the neural pathways in the brain when we learn to read. We used to believe that the best way to teach reading was through whole-group instruction, but now we know that that instruction must be differentiated.  We used to believe that teachers should have complete autonomy over instructional materials and methods, but now we know that teachers must make decisions based on scientifically-based reading research, not their own preferences and teaching philosophies.  We used to think that there were many inalterable variables that contributed to student failure, but now we know the brain is malleable, and we focus instead on alterable variables by promoting a growth mindset.  We also discard competitive school cultures in favor of a more collaborative, team-oriented culture.  When we know better, we do better, and our students reap the benefits!

Presenter: Amanda Nickerson

Date: October 6, 2020

Supporting Documents :  Slideshow with Notes & Script

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