Incorporating literacy into my content area

Blog Assignment:  How are you going to incorporate literacy into your content area? If you are an elementary teacher, how would you integrate literacy into science, math, or social studies? Detail a specific example, including an assessment strategy. Don't forget to think about your diverse learners and something you may need to do differently for below or above average readers.

Since I am a writing instructor, incorporating literacy into my content area is central to what I do each day. The program I work in is largely a self-directed online program from Pearson, where students log in and work through a series of modules on grammar and sentence structure that are custom tailored to their needs, based on their scores on a pre-test that evaluates what they already do well and what they need help with. My role is primarily that of a tutor. I track their performance and give one-on-one instruction in the content areas with which they might struggle. Often this involves going over the tests they have failed to pass and examining with them individual questions they answered incorrectly in an effort to help them understand where they went wrong. After this one-on-one remedial review, they can re-test and improve their scores.

The part of the program that I have a bit more latitude with is the writing portion of the class. In addition to the Pearson modules, they are assigned a series of writing assignments (descriptive, narrative, persuasive, process, etc.) I edit their writing and review them with the students to explain how they could improve their writing. These are community college students, quite a diverse bunch, and individual attention is needed to help them improve their writing. Some require very basic instruction in sentence structure, paragraph use, and organization. They are given almost unlimited drafts to get their essays up to acceptable levels. Assessment reflects not only their final draft quality but also the effort they expended in improving their work.

More advanced students are assisted in refining their writing. Their one-on-one instruction involves looking at options and alternatives in how to they express their ideas and organize their writing. Though their writing may be technically correct, it often can be improved with some editorial polish. Assessment for these above-average learners goes beyond mechanics to elements of style and personal expression.