Text Complexity: SELECTING & TEACHING
COMPLEX TEXTS ACROSS DISCIPLINES With implementation of the ELA GSE, grade-level reading bands
shifted to reflect the higher expectations needed to prepare students for
college and careers. Along came new conversations and resources, defining text
complexity. We all want our students to grow as readers: to master increasingly more challenging and sophisticated books, stories, articles, poems, essays, and other texts—and not just to read them, but to be able to understand and analyze them as well, and to do so on their own. This type of literacy expansion has always been the goal of the English teacher; many teachers have been using strategies to help students conquer tough works of literature for many years. Now, though, under the GSE this goal has been codified using the term “text complexity,” and includes a larger focus on nonfiction, informational texts, and higher-level analysis. THE FIVE ACCESS POINTS FOR COMPREHENDING COMPLEX TEXTS Emphasizing
student learning versus task completion, this workshop demonstrates how a
quality instructional model increases student learning and rigor in the
classroom. Using the 5 access points for accessing complex texts, outlined
in Rigorous Reading, educators will apply the Gradual Release of
Responsibility (GRR) framework to their instructional practice. The workshop
will also highlight in-depth use of the GRR model with focus lessons
(modeling), guided instruction (scaffolding), collaborative learning
(productive group work), and independent learning (homework, spiral review,
extension). Learning
Outcomes Participants will: -Examine 5 access points and how they relate to quality reading instruction -Learn the Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR) Instructional Model -Understanding the three components of text complexity-qualitative, quantitative and matching readers with texts and tasks - and learn to choose appropriate complex texts for their students.
SELECTING & TEACHING COMPLEX TEXTS ACROSS DISCIPLINES Literacy is important across all disciplines. This workshop provides whole schools or districts the steps necessary to prepare students to read complex texts across disciplines and grade levels. Educators K-12 will learn how to select appropriate complex texts and craft purposeful instruction that results in all students becoming literate across grades and subjects—without losing the veracity of their disciplines. Learning
Outcomes Participants
will: -Determne the elemenents of a text that constitute complexity. -Learn how to access teh qualitative and quantitative features of a text. -Discover the importance of reader adn task considerations in the selection of complex text. -Explore a variety of teach-led, peer-led, and independent tasks that focus on teaching complex text and guiding students and help them become independent readers. Target Audience: Classroom Teachers Instructional Facilitators/Coaches |