Building a Rigorous Foundation for Literacy with SKS and TWRLS
Building a Strong Foundation for Literacy with SKS and TWRLS
To help English Learners (ELs) improve their academic literacy skills, combining the Skill, Knowledge, Strategy (SKS) framework with the Thinking, Writing, Reading, Listening, Speaking (TWRLS) framework provides essential support that helps students succeed across different subjects and grade levels. This approach is at the heart of my session, "Reinforcing Academic Literacy Skills for English Learners through Priority Standards."
Using Priority Standards for Focused Learning
In my session, I emphasize the importance of using priority standards to guide instruction. These standards highlight key skills necessary for student success, allowing teachers to concentrate on what matters most for their ELs (Teyechea, 2024). For example, the Reading Informational Text Standards include:
RI.1: Students ask and answer questions about text details to demonstrate understanding and justify inferences.
RI.2: Students identify the main subject of a text and retell key details, evolving to summarize main ideas and supporting details in higher grades.
RI.3: Students describe connections among individuals, events, and ideas, explaining how information is interrelated in the text.
RI.6: Students discern the author's point of view or purpose and articulate its influence on content and style, with complexity increasing across grades.
These standards are crucial because they not only support ELs in developing their reading comprehension but also help them engage with complex texts across all content areas. By focusing on these standards, educators can ensure that ELs are not only learning to read but also learning to think critically about the information presented, which is essential for their academic success.
Engagement Through TWRLS
The TWRLS framework encourages students to engage actively in their learning through various methods. By incorporating thinking, writing, reading, listening, and speaking into lessons, we ensure that ELs interact with content in different ways (Reeves, 2016). For example, collaborative activities allow students to share their ideas about priority standards, reinforcing their language proficiency while deepening their understanding of the material.
Creating a Supportive Learning Environment
Using both SKS and TWRLS helps create a classroom where students feel safe to take on challenges. Consistently applying social-emotional strategies helps build an environment that supports learning and encourages students to take risks (Bailey, 2010). By focusing on essential skills and using engaging teaching methods, we empower our students to take charge of their own learning.
Boosting Language Skills
The structured support from SKS and TWRLS helps students learn language and comprehension skills, making it easier for them to handle grade-level materials. Targeted instruction that aligns with priority standards not only supports academic growth but also builds confidence in language use. As students practice essential skills consistently, they enhance their language proficiency, setting the stage for future academic success (Echevarria et al., 2017).
Combining SKS and TWRLS with priority standards is key to achieving the goals of my session. By focusing on consistent practice, targeted instruction, and active engagement, we can help English Learners build a solid foundation for literacy across all subjects. This comprehensive approach prepares ELs to navigate challenging content while developing the language skills they need to succeed academically and in life.
References
Bailey, B. (2010). Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: Recipes for Building a Positive School Climate.
Echevarria, J., Vogt, M. E., & Short, D. J. (2017). Making Content Comprehensible for English Learners: The SIOP Model.
Reeves, D. B. (2016). Every Student Can Learn: A Blueprint for Helping Children Succeed in School.
Teyechea, N. (2024). Reinforcing Academic Literacy Skills for English Learners through Priority Standards.
