Have you ever wonder what makes a school worth of 5 stars or that elusive A+ rating? Dr. Connors asks us to take a different look at our schools. Picture a 5-star restaurant. How does it make you feel? Why would you pay top dollar to eat there?

Now compare this your local school. How does it make you feel? Why would you want to go here? What makes it special and unique? 

As we contemplate these questions we begin to see not only the problems in our schools but also the solution on where to begin to correct it. 

I started with Daily 5. I have really struggled with my ELA instruction this year thanks to the implementation of a new curriculum that I am still not sure I like. 

Anywho...

Imagine my surprise when inside the book I discovered the Above, Pause, Whisper technique. I use this somewhat in my classroom but never knew it was a technique or where I learned it from. This is one I need to implement as soon as classes resume. 

Today our audiobook-loving district librarian challenged us to read Jason Reynolds' Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and you. Her reasoning: each day we challenge our students with the text that we present to them but when was the last time we challenged ourselves.

Okay. I'm in. I am always up for a challenge. 

Racism is a problem in the United States but not everyone is racist. I am hoping for a solution to the problem, for a better understanding of the issue and not more whining without resolution. 

Our district librarian has finally worn me down. She LOVES audiobooks and listens to them in the car all. the. time. I am more of a give me a book to curl up with and read type of girl. I am not so sure I want to listen to someone read to me. I want to read to myself. 

However, my book purchasing budget is limited. When she said the magic word of FREE books every month. I was sold. I can try this. Maybe I will like this. Free books is always something I enjoy. 

​Leveled ELA Groups are (were) THE way to teach. I learned this in college. Watched mentor teachers demonstrate their skill in the practice and have used it in my own classroom. It is estimated around 90% of elementary teachers use this practice. and I am one of them! 

But we are wrong. What could be worse than teaching it wrong? We are damaging students abilities to learn how to read by continuing to do it wrong despite evidence to the contrary.