International Reading Association Annual Convention
Handouts for Institute 17
Bridging the Gap Between Primary and Middle Grades:
Improving Literacy Achievement in Grades 3–6
Despite clear evidence that well-articulated literacy instruction is needed in grades 3 to 6, little focus has been given to this level. This institute explores critical areas for these grades: teaching and organizing for success, developing knowledge and vocabulary, teaching comprehension and building independence, establishing and extending word identification and fluency, and using assessment to differentiate instruction.

Speakers: Camille Blachowicz, Pam Chomsky-Higgins, Kathleen Harrington, Marjorie Y. Lipson, Mary Beth Monahan, Timothy Rasinski, Kerry Sewell, Ellen Thompson, Sheila Valencia, Nancy Woods, Theresa Young

Bridging the Gap between Primary and Middle Grades (pdf)
Classroom Growth Rubric (pdf)
Creating the Fit for Literacy Instruction and Contentira 2008 (ppt)
General References (pdf)
Getting Started and Winning Teachers' Support for Change (pdf)
IRA 2008 Handout (pdf)
IRA Data Presentation (ppt)
Key Elements of Researched-Based Interventions (pdf)
Literacy Understanding in the Content Area Classroom IRA (ppt)
Quotes from Cathy Toll (pdf)
School Growth Rubric (pdf)
Using Read Alouds in the Classroom (pdf)
Valencia Profiles with Gates (pdf)

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The Bridging Project works with teachers and schools to improve literacy achievement in
the area of reading comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency across the upper elementary grades.

Participation in this school-based reading-improvement project, currently focused on
grades 3-6, is a multi-year venture. Bridging Project schools work in collaboration with VRI
at UVM literacy experts and professionals through grants from the Vermont Department of Education. Schools are able to participate based on one or more identifying characteristics having to do with student performance, community poverty, or prior participation in school improvement projects.

Participating Schools Enjoy the Following Services and Benefits

•  Multi-year collaboration working with literacy experts from VRI at UVM

•  Guided self assessment using formats and personnel provided by the VRI team 
     to identify literacy-related strengths and needs present at the school

•  Assistance from the VRI team in analysis and use of self-assessment data,
     reviewing related research and determining next steps

•  Intensive support during the first year from VRI researchers/consultants.
    This will include but is not limited to:
   
    - Weekly visits from a VRI consultant
    - Frequent professional development sessions during/after school
    - In-classroom coaching by project staff
    - Assessment planning for instructional purposes
    - Consultation regarding action planning and literacy decision-making
    - Support in addressing the Vermont Grade Level Expectations

•  Capacity building for sustained improvement over time

•  Needs-based action planning in the area of literacy, using guidelines provided by VRI

•  Participation in the UVM-based research project, including reflection regarding
    process and outcomes, and receipt of updates regarding research findings

•  Participation in sharing successful practices across schools

View/Download/Print The Bridging Project Description & Application

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