Colorado's PARCC ELC Reading, Writing, and Communicating Modules

Overview

The following professional learning modules were designed with the practitioner in mind. Often, content and new initiatives are rolled-out without direct training and support for the educators responsible for implementation. The following modules were designed to provide educators with an understanding of how the design of the Colorado Academic Standards (CAS) in reading, writing, and communicating and the PARCC English/language arts assessments work together to support rigorous and relevant instructional practice.

Target Audience:

All four modules can be used by teachers K-12 as well as by specialists, coaches and administrators.

Considerations for Use:

These modules are in the form of PowerPoint presentations. All facilitator information is contained within the notes of the presentation. Content within the modules may be presented to large groups, may be used by small groups or teams, or may be viewed by individuals to build their own understanding. The modules contains facilitating questions that are intended to support thinking and processing of content. Handouts are included as slides, but are indicated within the notes section.

Standards and Instruction (Modules 1 and 2)

Description:

Modules 1 and 2 were designed with the practitioner in mind. Module 1 provides teachers with background building content about the standards, and their design, to inform the key instructional practices that are necessary for increased student performance. Module 2 includes data and research to support teachers, as well as examples of lessons in action meant to facilitate discussion and reflection about how teachers can use the new standards to drive achievement with all students.

Suggestions for Use:

These modules were designed to be used as drop-in training in a variety of settings. Teachers could use the modules in grade level teams, in PLC work or individually. They could also be used in staff meetings. Discussion is a key part of the work that is provided.

Module 1:

Colorado Academic Standards: A Focus on the Standards

Context:

Modules 1 and 2 provide teachers with background building content about the standards and their design to inform the key instructional practices that are necessary for increased student performance. Data and research is provided to support teachers, as well as examples of lessons in action meant to facilitate discussion and reflection about how teachers can use the new standards to drive achievement with all students.

Learning Objectives:

To explore the why, what and how of the Colorado Academic Standards, which include the Common Core.
To understand how the standards support College and Career Readiness (CCR).

Content Summary:

In order for teachers to effectively implement the standards with students, deep understanding of the design and goals of the standards must be clear. In this module, teachers will explore the design principles and alignment to college and career readiness, as well as concrete information on what is expected of students in terms of knowledge to be successful with the standards.

Module 2:

Colorado Academic Standards: A Focus on Instructional Implications

Context:

This module was created by Colorado educators to support understanding about the instructional implications of the Colorado Academic Standards.

Learning Objectives:

To engage in conversations specific to instructional implications for teaching the standards

Content Summary:

In order to effectively prepare students for college and career readiness, fundamental changes in current instruction may be necessary. While this does not mean that teachers need to throw out the lessons and units that they have previously used with students, it does mean that several key paradigm shifts are required in order to elevate instruction to meet the needs of a global society. To support teachers in making these changes, module 2 provides examples of lessons in action as well as tools for teachers to reflect on their current work with guidance on Standards based modifications to increase achievement for all students.

PARCC for ELA Literacy (Modules 3 and 4)

Description:

The PARCC assessment brings a new face to Colorado’s state assessment for literacy. Modules 3 and 4 were designed in increase understanding about the PARCC assessment for ELA and literacy. Within Module 3, teachers will find details about test types and items found on the PARCC assessment. Included here are sample test items as well as questions to guide thinking and conversation. When teachers engage students in rigorous learning experiences that are tied to standards, they are preparing students for the PARCC assessment. Module 4 explores both the comprehension and critical thinking strategies students will use to demonstrate mastery of the standards as measured by PARCC, and the concept of rigor itself. This module includes readings, video, and questions to guide thinking and conversation.

Suggestions for Use:

Content within these modules may be presented to large groups, may be used by small groups or teams, or may be viewed by individuals to build their own understanding. Module contains facilitating questions that are intended to support thinking and processing of content. Handouts are included as slides, and are indicated within the notes section.

Module 3:

PARCC: Assessment Design

Context:

This module was created by Colorado educators to support understanding about the PARCC assessment.

Learning Objectives:

To understand the design of the PARCC ELA/Literacy Assessment

Content Summary:

The PARCC assessment brings a new face to Colorado’s state assessment for literacy. Within this module, teachers will find details about test types and items found on the PARCC assessment. Included here are sample test items as well as questions to guide thinking and conversation.

Module 4:

PARCC: A Focus on Thinking and Rigor

Context:

This module was created by Colorado educators to support understanding about the PARCC Assessment.

Learning Objectives:

To explore the critical thinking expected of students on PARCC
To consider rigor as it is applicable to PARCC

Content Summary:

When teachers engage students in rigorous learning experiences that are tied to standards, they are preparing students for the PARCC assessment. This module explores both the comprehension and critical thinking strategies students will use to demonstrate mastery of the standards as measured by PARCC, and the concept of rigor itself. This module includes readings, video, and questions to guide thinking and conversation.