The James Patterson Literacy Challenge
The University of Florida Literacy Institute has partnered with the James Patterson Foundation to address Florida’s literacy crisis through the James Patterson Literacy Challenge. Two of the biggest problems facing low-performing schools are (a) many children arrive at school each year unprepared for the literacy expectations of their grade level and (b) many teachers are unprepared to address the needs of struggling readers. Past attempts to address these problems have tended to rely on one-size-fits-all curricula, superficial professional development efforts, and supposed quick fixes, none of which have led to sustained changes. We propose a wholly different approach.
The James Patterson Literacy Challenge will address these persistent problems by working with schools to change their literacy culture, from one where failure is routine and often accepted as inevitable to one where failure is simply not an option. We will accomplish this through transformative professional learning experiences for teachers and school leaders.
Here are the highlights of the James Patterson Literacy Challenge:
Online Professional Development
We are developing online professional development that will be made available to all teachers across the state. This PD is designed to increase the capacity of individual teachers to teach reading effectively, diagnose reading problems, and intervene appropriately using evidence-based methods. The online PD platform will feature the following:
- content related to foundations, assessment, instruction, and intervention in key areas of literacy: phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, oral language, and writing
- an application component, where teachers will upload instructional artifacts and video examples of their teaching to be reviewed by a literacy coach
- 40 modules of content that can be accessed by teachers according to their individual needs
- content that is aligned to state standards for teachers and students
We have also created a fully online graduate certificate in Dyslexia. This five-course sequence prepares teachers to provide evidence-based intervention.
Working with Schools
Accomplishing real change will require comprehensive, schoolwide efforts, including intensive professional development and coaching, adoption of evidence-based curricula and instructional methods, and efficient and effective use of literacy data. We anticipate working closely with selected schools for at least two to three years, with a gradual release of responsibility to the school. Ultimately, we intend to build the capacity of participating schools so their successes can be sustained. Participating schools will receive:
- support of ongoing professional learning activities in each school
- personalized online professional development for all teachers and school leaders
- ongoing, school-based direct support from James Patterson Literacy Challenge Staff
- development of local summer literacy programs to support sustainable, cost-effective, ongoing professional development and coaching for teachers along with local, direct intervention for struggling readers
The James Patterson Literacy Challenge also collaborates with other entities within UF and beyond to provide the best possible opportunities for schools. Key partners in these efforts include the Lastinger Center for Learning, P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School, the Florida Center for Reading Research, and the Florida Department of Education.