Hi Lori, This is our second year in the "balanced literacy" mode. They push us to use a center-based approach. The problem in our school is that the behavior is so bad that it is hard to keep kids on task. My reading block is finally moving more smoothly. Our school suffers from a high turnover rate, also. Our schools sound very similar. Our reading coach doesn't do much besides criticize, though. She models to the first year teachers, but offers no real suggestions. I am hearing teachers talking about going back to whole class reading instruction because of the behaviors. It breaks my heart because we are finally making strides with getting these kids reading by doing the guided reading groups. Are you doing something beyond the guided reading groups that is particularly helpful? Our grade level just has particularly badly behaved students this year. We each have 6 pretty serious behavior problems, and I actually have 10 out of 17 that are behavior problems. It is hard to keep them on task with center work. I also have 8 that are reading below grade level. I have four that have moved from preprimer to first, and two that are still at primer. Two other have moved to beginning second grade. It would be nice to move them faster. I'd love any suggestions. Cindy/VA _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org.
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