Literacy Unleashed: Fostering Excellent Reading Instruction Through Classroom Visits

Bonnie D. Houck and Sandi Novak

Table of Contents

About the Authors

About This Book

In Literacy Unleashed, Bonnie D. Houck and Sandi Novak explain why ensuring high-quality reading instruction is one of school leaders' most important jobs and introduce their Literacy Classroom Visit (LCV) Model. Meticulously researched and refined through years of application in the field, the LCV Model enables administrators to evaluate and improve literacy instruction in their school or district.

The authors—both seasoned literacy and leadership experts—share processes and practices to help you

• Identify the elements of effective literacy instruction and establish common beliefs, practices, and language within the education community.
• Convene a team to conduct classroom observations and pinpoint common patterns that indicate your school or district's areas of strength and need.
• Provide targeted professional development and resources that reduce unnecessary budget expenditures.
• Implement the LCV Model across your entire school—including all grade levels and content areas—or district.
• Ensure that all students are mastering grade-level standards and expectations.

This comprehensive guide includes a repertoire of tools, checklists, and templates to support you on the LCV journey, along with scenarios and videos of real schools and practitioners to illustrate what the model looks like in action.

With both academic standards and 21st century jobs requiring higher-level literacy skills, quality reading instruction is more important than ever. This book provides everything you need to create a culture of literacy, reflective practice, and continual learning among staff and students alike.

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About the Authors

BONNIE D. HOUCK is a consultant, coach, speaker, and trainer who specializes in literacy leadership development and positive school change. She currently serves as associate professor of education at Bethel University, provides training through the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA), and works with many schools and districts as a coach and consultant.  Read more

SANDI NOVAK is an education consultant and author of the ASCD Arias Student-Led Discussions: How Do I Promote Rich Conversations About Books, Videos, and Other Media? She has more than 30 years of experience as an assistant superintendent, principal, curriculum and professional learning director, and teacher. Her current work in consulting is focused on leadership and improving students' reading.  Read more