Anderson Elementary – Literacy: A Collaboration Initiative

At Anderson Elementary, our school story scanning process included a review of Formative Reading Assessment which highlighted a collective goal among staff to strengthen students’ reading comprehension. As next steps a group of Anderson educators applied for the District Collaboration Project with a focus on Literacy to support our school’s learning priority. Throughout the year, participating teachers will receive dedicated TTOC release time and instructional support from district literacy consultant, Karen Leung.

Purpose: Our Why?

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance students’ literacy comprehension and fluency through intentional, collaborative practice. Anderson educators are exploring specific aspects of their students’ reading skills and will work together to build a cohesive approach to comprehension instruction. Through shared learning and aligned strategies, students will develop the tools they need to become confident, capable, and thoughtful readers.

Goal: Our What?

Our goal is for students to be able to decode grade level texts easily, increase their fluency and move beyond surface-level reading and develop deeper comprehension skills. We aim to support learners in accessing and understanding information, identifying key ideas, summarizing effectively, and applying knowledge in meaningful ways. Teachers will use co-planned strategies to create opportunities for students to build and practice these literacy skills.

Action Steps: Our How?

1. Develop a Shared Instructional Toolkit
   Build a repertoire of instructional routines and learning tasks that help students practice comprehension skills both orally and in writing.
2. Access Instructional Support from Karen Leung
   Provide opportunities for co-teaching, demonstration lessons and instructions, and planning support from district literacy consultant Karen Leung.
3. Use TTOC Release Time to:
   • Explore strategies through the Pillars of Literacy and plan with grade level teacher partners.
   • Visit classrooms to observe instructional approaches in action.
   • Participate in collaborative planning, discussion, and reflection sessions.
4. Host a Literacy Lunch & Learn Series
   Provide informal learning opportunities for staff to explore comprehension strategies, share successes, and discuss challenges in a supportive, collaborative environment.

How This Supports Our School Goal

• Provides structured collaboration time for teachers to plan and literacy instruction.
• Supports explicit teaching of strategies aligned with our Pillars of Literacy.
• Creates opportunities to observe colleagues, learn from district experts, and strengthen instructional practice.
• Encourages ongoing dialogue about what is working, and what needs adjustment.