UDL: Adolescent Literacy in the Content Area

To meet the needs of all learners, and make learning possible, I have modified my lesson in the Universal Design for Learning model (UDL).  The changes reflect considerations for recognition, strategic, and affective areas.

Goal-directed Instructional Design Plan - Adolescent Literacy in the Content Areas Author - Melissa Brooks-Yip

1       A problem or a need – With Common Core State Standards requiring literacy in all content areas, teachers will need to solidify their understanding of disciplinary literacy and reading for understanding.

2       A real-world performance – how the learning objective fits into a real-world activity or need. Teachers will be aware of, understand, include in their lesson plan, and implement one or more of the Common Core State Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects.

3       An instructional objective – the objectives are based on the final outcome, activity or test. These objectives will each be different for the four types of knowledge; performing skills, recalling facts, identifying examples of concepts, and applying principles. Teachers will read and understand the Common Core State Standards for literacy in History/Social Studies, Science and Technical Subjects. Teachers will solidify their understanding of the “Big Five” of adolescent literacy. Teachers will create a lesson plan to incorporate one a reading, writing, speaking, or listening strategy into their content area literacy.

4       A set of essential content – the basic ideas and skills that will allow the learner to complete the task or understand the content Teachers will need to read/review the elements of adolescent literacy in the content area through research articles available online, and other online resources. ·       UDL: Summarize and provide main points in another format. ·       Find or create a webcast explaining the findings of research, or a PowerPoint or other presentation format to include visual/audio cues. http://improvingadollit.weebly.com/ Improving Adolescent Literacy: Effective Classroom and Intervention Practice Reading in the Disciplines Webcast on Adolescent Literacy The role of content area teachers in literacy Content area teachers share tips on literacy instruction Review of professional development sessions on adolescent literacy: UDL: Provide paper copies to those who need it. Vocabulary Comprehension Comprehension 2 Engagement and Motivation Text Dependent Questions After reading the articles, webcasts, and reviewing the professional development presentations, teachers will create their own lesson plan incorporating one of the elements into a lesson in their content area.

5       An evaluation consisting of a test or observation – an assessment, observation or product showing that the objectives can be accomplished in the real-world setting Teachers will submit their final lesson plan to our Companion Wikispace.  The lesson plan must be in the Backwards Design model (Wiggins and McTighe) format and focus on incorporating one of the five elements of adolescent literacy into their content areas, and meeting at least one CCSS. Teachers will deliver the lesson to their students and video tape the teaching.  A follow-up lesson will be to watch and reflect upon the lesson with their TLT partner (Teachers Learning Together).

6       A method to help participants learn – the method to deliver the content; a lesson. In addition to meeting with me personally after reviewing our past professional development sessions as outlined above, teachers may use the following resources for ideas and examples: *UDL: for continued support, Provide chat sessions (Adobe Connect, Google Hangout). -Provide one-on-one time on the telephone. Utilize Google Docs to provide feedback on student work and/or work on it with them. Adlit.org Classroom Strategies ReadWriteThink

●      Motivation: ○   Meaningfullness – content and activities must have meaning for the learner. This lesson and activity begins to meet the CCSS expectations for teachers to incorporate literacy in the content areas.  Administrators look for this upon teacher evaluation. ○   Pleasant consequences – the effects that achieving the goal will have on the learner Knowledge of meeting teaching objectives, CCSS, and the needs of their students as learners. ○   Novelty – an attention-getting, humorous or curious manner that relates to the useful information in your lesson Several online resources are available: Blogs, videos, and example plans, in addition to face-to-face time with myself (literacy consultant/instructional coach) and a peer/fellow teachers. Literacy Newsletter Blog Companion Wikispace Adlit.org ReadWriteThink

●      Socialization - a strong motivator for student learning Teachers work with their TLT partner, formerly arranged through work Kevin Feldman training around student engagement and motivation.  These partners frequently work together on plannig and observing each others teaching.  Trust has been built between these teaching partners.

●      Audience – For what audience are you designing this lesson? Consider the following: ○   Age:  Adult learners- content area teachers ○   Skill level (including technology skills).  All adults are college educated, although technology skill level may vary. ○   Prerequisite knowledge (including technology background): Teachers will need to know basic lesson plan design, and how to access our past professional development on our Blog and Wikispace. UDL: Provide some background knowledge of the lesson plan structure and technology (via article or video) or one-on-one support.

●      Technology Needs – the computers, software, programs (such as Angel or other CMS’s) printers, equipment, Internet access, time in the computer lab will be needed to successfully complete your technology-rich lesson. Teachers may use the PC with internet access available in their classrooms.