Literacy Unleashed

Book excerpt: In Literacy Unleashed, Bonnie D. Houck and Sandi Novak explain why ensuring high-quality reading instruction is one of school leaders’ most important jobs and introduce their Literacy Classroom Visit (LCV) Model. Meticulously researched and refined through years of application in the field, the LCV Model enables administrators to evaluate and improve literacy instruction in their school or district. The authors—both seasoned literacy and leadership experts—share processes and practices to help you Identify the elements of effective literacy instruction and establish common beliefs, practices, and language within the education community. Convene a team to conduct classroom observations and pinpoint common patterns that indicate your school or district's areas of strength and need. Provide targeted professional development and resources that reduce unnecessary budget expenditures. Implement the LCV Model across your entire school—ncluding all grade levels and content areas—or district. Ensure that all students are mastering grade-level standards and expectations. This comprehensive guide includes a repertoire of tools, checklists, and templates to support you on the LCV journey, along with scenarios and videos of real schools and practitioners to illustrate what the model looks like in action. With both academic standards and 21st century jobs requiring higher-level literacy skills, quality reading instruction is more important than ever. This book provides everything you need to create a culture of literacy, reflective practice, and continual learning among staff and students alike.