Vermont Adolescent Literacy and Learning Initiative

Since its inception in 2002, VALLI has undergone dramatic growth and change. Beginning with the nine comprehension strategies from the Vermont Strategic Reading Initiative, the project expanded to a more comprehensive model promoting school and classroom transformation in literacy. Based on external evaluations, review of the research, and feedback from participants, VALLI has narrowed its focus to supporting the growth and professional development of content area teachers.

Our goal is to increase middle and high school teachers’ knowledge/expertise of best practices in adolescent literacy so they can engage students in critical thinking and deep learning across content areas. VALLI is also committed to supporting and mentoring new middle and high school teachers.

To achieve these goals, VALLI has developed a number of opportunities for middle and high school teachers. These include:

• A series of courses designed to provide literacy knowledge, expertise, and support needed to engage in change at the individual classroom level, including discipline specific content.
• Four workshops that address current needs and trends in literacy and learning at the middle and high school levels.
• Opportunity for teachers to work one-on-one with a VALLI consultant on creating a focus on literacy and learning in their classrooms.

For schools interested in pursuing a school-wide improvement effort in literacy, VALLI has developed a self-assessment protocol to identify strengths, areas of growth, and next steps at both the school and classroom level. VALLI consultants administer the protocol to the faculty. Once the data is collected and analyzed, VALLI consultants present a formal report to the faculty and staff. This allows a school to determine action steps and develop a comprehensive plan for addressing the needs of all learners.