November 2019

Dear Colleagues,

The Instructional Coach Team recently completed the first coaching cycle across all four elementary buildings. We have had the opportunity to work in 81 classrooms...WOW! We are so very grateful that you all opened your classroom doors for us! THANK YOU!

Since Long Beach embraces a balanced literacy approach, the work was grounded in revisiting the components of a mini lesson. The workshop model is the cornerstone of all literacy instruction that transpires in your classroom community. This is the opportunity to rally your students together by bringing them into a safe, collaborative learning space; it is here where teachers can revisit mentor texts through short bursts of teaching while capitalizing on the gradual release of responsibility. The goal is for all students to practice these skills/strategies confidently and independently. After all, the heart of balanced literacy is fostering INDEPENDENCE!

No matter where you are in your educational career and your comfort level with the workshop approach, it is always valuable to revisit best instructional practices and engage in professional conversations about teaching and learning. As educators, these conversations can serve as a springboard for reflection, discovery, and professional growth.

Thank you to all of the teachers and administrators for your ongoing reciprocity and support as we continue on the path of job-embedded professional learning in Long Beach!

We are happy to share some highlights from the month!

With gratitude,

Christine, Lauren, and Tasha

Items