A team of field researchers studied exemplary language arts teachers in Dade County, Florida (a high school that is 99% minority, but with strong administrative support from the Dade County’s Division of Language Arts/Reading) and examined the contexts that lead to thought-provoking learning in English classes and the professional contexts that support such learning. The Division of Language Arts/Reading is a group of administrators (all former teachers) who focus their main attention on teacher training and curriculum development. Keeping closely connected to real classroom practice and constant support and respect for the classroom teacher is the philosophy that underpins what happens in the division. Staying on the cutting edge of language arts is exemplified by attending local, state, and national conferences, and participating in professional organizations. Staff development and curriculum materials are developed and delivered with organization and structure. Bringing in experienced, talented teachers, and actively involving them in the curriculum development process makes the curriculum more realistic and also provides a rich resource from which the Division can draw when the need arises to replace a supervisor, or add new positions. (Contains a questionnaire and a list of reports and case studies that came out of this project.) (SC) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.
CELA RESEARCH REPORT BEATING THE ODDS OVER TIME: ONE DISTRICT’S P ERSPECTIVE SALLIE SNYDER Instructional Supervisor Dade County Schools Division of Language Arts/Reading CELA REPORT NUMBER 12004 NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTER ON ENGLISH LEARNING & ACHIEVEMENT THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON BEST COPYAVAILABLE 2 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) JThis document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. O Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy.
