Chapter 1:The Role of Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches in Schools, Classrooms, and Communities

Blog #1- Chapter One

Chapter 1: The Role of Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches in Schools, Classrooms, and Communities

A few interesting topics...

How has the role of the reading specialist changed over the years?

Reading Specialist who were funded by Title I were developed to provide supplemental support to students who are economically deprived. (Bean, p.4) Students in the Title I program get "pulled out" from class in order to work in a small setting with another teacher. With the "pullout" program "Some reading specialist were not knowledgeable about the instruction students were receiving in their classrooms, nor did they share what they were doing with the classroom teacher." (Bean, p.4) This can become a problem when it comes to pinpointing a student needs. Each teacher that deals with the students need to be able to communicate in order for the student to succeed.

I related to the "swinging-door" dimension, it is hard to keep students engaged in a lesson without having another teacher stop and pull the out of class. Now changes have been made including collaboration with the teachers and reading specialist working with teachers.

How have the results of national studies served to inform the role of reading specialist?

An ideal specialist has plenty of characteristics that make them take on the leadership role. The author discussed different characteristics like teaching ability, knowledge of assessment, ability to provide professional development, etc.. (Bean, p.10) A reading specialist needs to be a leader because teachers are expecting to learn new techniques and research from them.

 What educational and social factors are affecting the role of the reading specialist?

The author gathers information on different affects a reading specialists has with working in schools.

Teach struggling readers and work with teachers- This is very important due to the fact that teachers learn from each other. PLC meetings help teachers collaborate, share ideas and coaches introduce new instructional methods.   

Technology- teaching methods are evolving and there are many aspects of teaching with technology. Reading specialist need to be familiarized with the different reading softwares there are available for struggling readers.

Diversity- More and more schools are becoming diverse, which means there will be students who's primary language is not English. Reading Specialist need to be able to teach in ways that enhance the language and literacy learning of these students. (Bean, p.16) Therefore reading specialist need to be aware of the different techniques to target those students.

Partnership- Even though reading specialist need take on a leadership role, working with others improves schooling for all. (Bean, p.16) Collaboration with parents, other schools and the community helps teachers, coaches and students.