PHASE II (2009-10)

English Teams

Both English teams will continue the work started in May 2008: to integrate college readiness attributes into existing English/literacy curriculum at 11th and 12th grade levels. 
Changes observed in students in the two pilot classrooms in 2008-2009 were:

• Students take responsibility for learning, attend to their level of performance
• Students attend to writing process
• Students persist, develop sense of accomplishment
• Students move from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation
• Students take ownership of their progress, achievement
• Students develop awareness of what is required to succeed in college, why college is important, what differences it can make in their lives.

Changes observed in teachers in 2008-2009 were:

• More reflective/intentional practice
• More specific about what they are grading for, move toward more important knowledge
• Grades related to skills students can see
• Move to standards-based teaching to augment existing curriculum
• Move to standards-based grading
• Create risk-taking space

Institutional level changes observed in 2008-2009 were:

• Connection was made between college readiness definitions and locally mandated curriculum
• 11th grade was considered a big year for students and teachers
• Stronger communication between secondary and higher education, such as the infusion of non-fiction writing in to the high school curriculum and working together to evaluate student work
• Changes in college teacher practices (based on lessons learned from high school team member)

As the teams build on the work accomplished in 2009-2010, both English teams have agreed to data collection items and annual timelines.  Teams have agreed they will collect and jointly analyze  student work samples, student portfolios, team member classroom observations, teacher reflection/logs, and student surveys (autumn and spring, compared to 2008-2009 results).

English Team Leader: Dr. Bill Condon, Washington State University

English Team 1
John Marshall, North Central High School, Spokane
Bradley Bleck, Spokane Falls Community College
Sharon Straub, Gonzaga University

English Team 2
Frances Guerrero, Eisenhower High School
Mark Fuzie, Yakima Valley Community College
Bobby Cummings, Central Washington University