Literacy

First Steps Literacy Framework: Harambee School embraces the understanding that children learn to read and write at different rates. We believe that children who learn more quickly ought to have opportunities to advance at an appropriate pace, while children who find it more difficult to learn to read deserve extra support and the necessary time to develop at their own speed. We also need flexible instruction that accounts for the fact that children sometimes learn in “spurts” rather than one gradual, continuous rate. The First Steps Literacy Framework is a teacher resource that includes extensive professional development, supportive instructional resources, and other materials that help teachers observe what students are capable of accomplishing and teach using instruction that supports each child’s unique developmental path. All staff who teach literacy at Harambee School complete training in all components of the First Steps Literacy Framework to better help students reach their greatest potential in literacy development.

Guided Reading Library: Harambee School’s Guided Reading Library is a collection of more than 10,000 books that teachers use for daily reading instruction. Every teacher has access to the entire collection so students are guaranteed practice using books that match their current developmental levels regardless of their age or ability. The collection includes fiction, non-fiction, and poetry selections. Teachers can select texts that align with the Minnesota Academic Standards in Language Arts but include a range of difficulty appropriate to the needs of the students in their classrooms.

Literacy Support: Harambee School qualifies for federal support under the Title I program, which is part of No Child Left Behind. A full-time Literacy Specialist and Literacy Educational Assistant serve approximately 80 students across all grade levels to provide extra practice for students who are not currently meeting grade level expectations. Struggling readers may also be referred by the classroom teacher to our Learning and Teaching Assistance Team (LTAT), a group of teachers who look more closely at individual students who are having the greatest difficulty making progress in literacy. Other less-formal types of literacy support may also be provided to individual students based on availability, such as reading volunteers, student tutors, or individualized practice in the classroom.

Minnesota Academic Standards Language Arts K-12