The Literacy Teacher's Playbook, Grades 3-6: Four Steps for Turning Assessment Data into Goal-Directed Instruction

by Jennifer Serravallo

This book is about being empowered by assessment, not bogged down by it.
Jennifer Serravallo "The aim of The Literacy Teacher's Playbook, " writes Jennifer Serravallo, "is to help you collect data that is helpful, analyze the data correctly, and make plans based on that data." National and state standards set learning goals, and it's up to you to help each student find his or her path to meeting them. That's why Jen opens up her thinking on assessment in this workshop-in-a-book. Her four-step protocol leads you toward goal-directed "What you can pull out of a student's messy desk is actually data," Jen writes. So she provides downloadable assessment packets from real students representing two puzzling types of learners. Spread Joana's packet out and let Jen model her protocol. Next try a guided practice with Alex's work. Then you'll be ready to try it with your own students. Trust The Literacy Teacher's Playbook to discover that assessment isn't about numbers and letters. It's about relying on an assessment procedure that helps you know each and every one of your students, so you can teach with confidence and make a difference.

Read a sample chapter from The Literacy Teacher's Playbook. NEW Printable Materials word pdf Blank Reading Log Levels D-I word pdf Blank Reading Log Levels J-M word pdf Blank Reading Log Levels L+ word pdf Blank Re-reading Log Levels D-I word pdf Blank Reading Interest Survey K-2 word pdf Blank Reading Interest Survey 3-6 word pdf Blank High-Frequency Word List word pdf Blank Engagement Inventory

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2013

Reviews

[Laura Giessler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is full of great insights from an expert. A bit overwhelming, but there are definitely parts you can use and perhaps take one bite at a time. A take-away for me right now will be establishing/writing more specific, concrete goals for my students. I will also use some ideas to teach kids how to have meaningful conversations about books--what makes a good conversation. I would like to look more closely at the comprehension progressions that she references on pages 47-51 (from another one of her books).

[Mike O'connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for all my literacy teaching friends and administrators. This would be a wonderful book study group that could stick together for the whole year!

[Ashley Morlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most helpful books I’ve encountered as a teacher; it makes a clear line from collecting and analyzing student work to synthesizing this data to form goals and an action plan. Highly recommend!

[Rebecca Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full to overflowing with ideas for ELA classroom. Jennifer Serravallo's work is a treasure for my 5th grade ELA class.

[Colleen Spillers · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, this book is chock-full of useful information. Like all of Serravallo's books, it is easy to read, understand, and put into practice right away. She takes you on a case study from the beginning to the end on how to analyze student work and best help readers. Excellent information.

However, I felt a lot of the information I had heard before or didn't need because either I have read several of her books already or, the program that we use at our school already has so many aspects in it, I don't quite need all the details she provides in this book.

Do I appreciate what she has in the book - YES. As a professional do I agree with her professional opinions and advice - 100%. Would I recommend this for other literacy teachers - FOR SURE! Do I love JS and her work in the field of literacy - AMEN. Was this the book for me - not right now.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book and I'm looking forward to reading more by Jennifer Serravallo. There are lots of practical ideas to turn everyday data into goal directed-instruction. The best thing is that I just found out that we are going to be able to give one to each of the new teachers that attend our presentation in a few weeks. I hope they will find it useful, too!!!

[Jennifer Dehayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I am in the first chapter... Deep in... I like what I'm reading and I am ready to order her K-2 Playbook! Thanks Jen for a great read... I will share your steps with my teachers! I can't wait!!

[Melanie Davis]

This book is a great resource for teachers. Serravallo walks the reader through types of assessment and how to analyze data. Great demonstrations of synthesizing data to to develop learning goals and monitoring progress.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer wrote another practical book for teachers. She models the use of formative data to help set goals for students. In addition, she provides practical tips for helping teachers take goal setting to the next level; instruction. A must read for teachers of literacy!

[Carol Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for learning to use assessments to establish goals. Lacking in the planning piece. It would be useful to have more concrete examples of plans.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for using data that is already being collected with workshop model - feel like I know how to more effectively assess, which I find is less straightforward with reading workshop.

[Lauren Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this book, but you really need to have student work in front of you to get the full effect. Great book to start coaching teachers.

[Meghan Arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Serravallo ALWAYS goes back to teaching from a student's strengths, not a place of deficit!

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a feeling I'll be going back to this book over and over again this coming year!

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful but very dry