Literacy+Across+the+Curriculum

= ** Literacy is important in EVERY class, not just in English! ** =

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 * If students struggle to read and write text, email, blogs, papers, etc... how well will they do in your class? In college? In the workplace? **

The Facts ==

• Nearly 40 percent of high school graduates feel inadequately prepared for college or the workplace, according to a 2004 report by the American Diploma Project. • About one-third of students do not graduate after four years of high school, according to a 2005 report by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

• Up to 55 percent of college freshmen entering two- and four-year institutions are under-prepared for college-credit coursework and must enroll in remedial courses in reading, writing and mathematics, according to a 2004 report by the National Commission on the NAEP 12th Grade Assessment and Reporting.

• Because they are not well prepared in high school, first-year college students are dropping out of school in alarming numbers: One in four freshmen at four-year institutions and one in two freshmen at two-year institutions fail to return for a sophomore year, according to a 2004 report by ACT.

• 84 percent of employers say K–12 schools are not doing a good job of preparing students for the workplace, according to a 2005 survey for the National Association of Manufacturers: 55 percent say schools are deficient in preparing students with basic employability skills (such as attendance, timeliness and work ethic); 51 percent cite math and science deficiencies; and 38 percent cite reading and comprehension deficiencies. NOTE: All data taken from a coalition called Partnership for 21st century skills. Click here for the document. = =

=  So what can you do? =

Get your students engaged in reading and writing in your class. How? Click on the following links to learn more:

[|John Collins Writing Program] This is an overview booklet of the five different types of writing this program utilizes. It is wonderful for the math or science teacher looking for a system to use to promote writing.

Math Solutions This site offers a wealth of information ranging from how to use childrens books in math to communication in a math classroom. It offers courses, educator tools, and even differentiatied instruction!

Technical Writing in a Science Classroom This links offers the rationale behind technical writing. A must for anyone gearing their students towards research based or technical fields.

Literacy Web Homepage Sponsored by the University of Connecticut, this web page offers a variety of resources for both you and your students. It has everything from lesson plans to strategies to improve student skills. Students can even chat with their peers across the United States.

A Schoolwide Approach This document details how to aid in student literacy on a schoolwide level. It is a two pronged approach with a focus on Professional Development.