The benefits of focusing on student literacy
Academic success is literacy. Implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) can promote students’ literacy growth and the positive outcomes districts desire.
Why? Because while literacy is often synonymous with English language arts, it’s a necessary skill in all subject areas.
It’s no secret then that having strong literacy skills predicts students’ overall educational achievement and future opportunities. Students with solid literacy skills gain a deeper understanding of content and effectively communicate that understanding. Districts that specifically focus on improving literacy are more likely to graduate students who are
- active learners,
- proficient readers, and
- fluent writers.
On the other hand, a lack of literacy skills and the associated frustration and discouragement students feel is closely linked to negative reactions to education as a whole. Early and continuous support in literacy can prevent future academic struggles.
The importance of literacy plans
A cohesive, district-wide literacy plan maintains consistency and upholds equity in literacy education. Literacy plans give all schools within the district a shared, common vision and set of practices. When everyone is on the same page, it allows for a tighter focus on the training, resources, and implementation necessary for a successful initiative.
Schools in Colorado and Virginia are implementing plans to improve literacy for all students. These plans address the diverse needs of students and help close achievement gaps. They intend that all students, regardless of which school they attend, will receive high-quality literacy instruction and support.
Preparing your back-to-school literacy plan
Creating a comprehensive literacy plan will involve many different components, but here’s a place to get started:
| Component | Description | Examples/Details |
| Goals and Objectives | Clear, measurable literacy goals for the district. | Increase reading proficiency by 10% by year-end. Ensure all students read at grade level by the end of Grade 3. |
| Assessment Strategies | Tools and methods for assessing student literacy levels, including formative and summative assessments. | Formative: Running records, reading fluency checks. Summative: Standardized tests, end-of-year exams. |
| Core Instruction Components | Research-based high-quality literacy instruction practices for all students. | Phonics instruction. Guided reading. Vocabulary development. Writing workshops. Universal tools, like Clicker word processor. |
| Intervention Strategies | Specific, evidence-based interventions for students who need additional support, based on assessment data. | Small group instruction. One-on-one tutoring. Specialized reading programs. Clicker Books and Clicker Writer. |
| Professional Development and Training | Training for teachers to implement literacy strategies effectively, with ongoing support and collaboration. | Workshops on latest literacy research. Peer coaching and mentoring. Webinars on instructional strategies. |
| Monitoring and Evaluation | Methods for tracking progress and adjusting the plan as needed, including regular review meetings and data analysis. | Bi-weekly progress monitoring. Data analysis meetings. Adjustments based on assessment outcomes. |
Addressing the needs of all students: The role of MTSS
Literacy plans will require interventions for students not finding success in core instruction. A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is the foundation for a successful literacy plan. MTSS is a framework that helps identify and support students who struggle with core literacy instruction. It uses data-driven decision-making to provide interventions at varying levels of intensity based on student needs.
Tier 1: Universal Interventions
At Tier 1, all students receive high-quality, research-based literacy instruction. This universal approach gives every student access to effective literacy practices. Regular assessments help identify students who may need additional support.
Tier 2: Targeted Interventions
Students who do not respond adequately to Tier 1 instruction receive additional support through Tier 2 interventions. These targeted interventions are more intensive and often delivered in small groups. They are designed to address specific literacy challenges and help students catch up to their peers.
Tier 3: Intensive Interventions
For students with significant literacy needs, Tier 3 provides individualized and intensive interventions. These students receive one-on-one support, often involving specialized instruction and frequent progress monitoring. Tier 3 interventions are crafted to the unique needs of each student.
Even with excellent core instruction programs, some students will need more intensive instruction. Each school’s intervention team, principals, and teachers will need to determine the most appropriate and effective interventions for these students. However, they should also simultaneously document its impact. When evaluating an intervention, consider the following criteria:
- Documented evidence of effectiveness based on student outcomes.
- Research-backed procedures, standards, and guidelines for implementation.
- Support through high-quality and ongoing professional development.
Crick Software understands the importance of investing in high-quality literacy solutions. That’s why we provide tools like Clicker, which can be used to support literacy skills for all students, at all levels.
Clicker Success Stories
Everett Public School District
Everett Public Schools, in Everett, Washington, was seeking a solution for students who had trouble with writing and language processing. They ultimately decided to invest in Crick Software’s Clicker program. Clicker has been a transformative tool for many students at Everett School District. Its assistive features facilitate extended writing and help to develop literacy skills for students at all levels.
Barb Lark, a former educator and volunteer with the Special Education Technology Center of Washington, shared, “It’s a literacy tool that allows for immediate expression of ideas. It allows children to go from stock answers to broader self-expression. For students with learning challenges, it allowed access that they otherwise wouldn’t have had. It allowed them to access independent reading materials. It allowed them to express themselves in writing, in a way they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do.”
Northview High School
Northview High School, part of the Special School District of St. Louis County, Missouri, invested in a Site License for their school. They were searching for a tool that covered all aspects of literacy, from reading and writing to speaking and listening. In choosing Clicker, they found a solution that supported literacy across the curriculum, was easy to implement, and was hugely engaging for their students.
Christy Hagy, an Occupational Therapist, commented, “I ran a project on the topic of "All About Me" with some of our students. I saw an amazing level of success with students creating their own talking books in Clicker and presenting them back to their classes. For some students, this was the first time they had been able to present to their peers.”
Invest in literacy success with Clicker's all-in-one writing solution
Building a back-to-school literacy plan with a Multi-Tiered System of Supports encourages a targeted approach to improving student achievement. A well-structured literacy plan gives all students high-quality instruction and the interventions they need to succeed. By investing time and resources into creating and implementing your literacy plan, you can make an impact that actually moves the needle on student outcomes.
Literacy technology, like Clicker, can support your literacy instruction and interventions. Clicker provides differentiated, accessible tools that support students' literacy development, which ultimately makes it easier for teachers to deliver effective instruction and track progress.
Download this free Literacy Action Plan for this back-to-school season.
Ready to see how Clicker can support your literacy plan and improve student outcomes? Book a 1-1 demo today to learn more about our complete writing solution and how it can benefit your district.
