Workshops

The ANSWER Key to Open Response & Language Essentials

Presented by Joan Sedita
Language Essentials - September 10, 11, 24, 25, & October 15, 16, 2010
The Answer Key to Open Response - October 14, 2010
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The ANSWER Key to Open Response
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The ANSWER Key to Open Response is a routine for students to help answer open response questions that measure reading comprehension on statewide tests.

Open response questions for comprehension have a unique structure that requires specific question analysis, organization and writing skills.

The ANSWER Key to Open Response is a structured and practical routine that teachers can use in a direct and systematic way to help their students with these types of questions.

Session participants will learn the ANSWER routine and its core elements:

A: Analyze the Question
N: Plan the Notes
S: Skim and read to take notes
W: Write the Response
ER: End by Reviewing

The session will prepare teachers to teach this routine and include practice exercises and examples from all grade levels.

Study of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling – Part II
September 10, 11, 24, 25, & October 15, 16, 2010 (6 days)
The focus of this course is vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing for comprehension. Students will study several levels of language structure including word meanings (semantics), sentence structure (syntax), text organization, and discourse structure to help us understand the components of reading for meaning. The course will address the reading comprehension process and the role that vocabulary knowledge plays in that process. A number of research-based instructional activities will be explored including instruction that is embedded in content reading. Students will complete activities to put into practice the planning and delivery of vocabulary and comprehension instruction. (Covers LETRS Module 6 and other comprehension content) Grades K-12

The Presenter:
Joan Sedita
Joan Sedita is the founding partner of Keys to Literacy. She is an experienced educator, nationally recognized speaker and teacher trainer. She has worked for over 30 years in the literacy education field, and has presented to thousands of teachers and related professionals at schools, colleges, clinics, and professional conferences. Joan specializes in developing curriculum, teaching materials, and professional development programs that address grade 4 through 12 literacy. She received her Masters in Reading Education from Harvard University in 1980, and her B.A. from Boston College in 1975.

Joan worked at the Landmark School in Massachusetts from 1975 until 1998 as a teacher, diagnostician, supervisor of tutorials, and high school principal. She was also the founder and director of the Landmark College Preparation Program, and director of the Landmark Outreach Teacher Training Program.

Joan was one of three Lead Trainers in Massachusetts for the Reading First Initiative and consultant to the state’s Secondary Reading Initiative. She is currently a national LETRS trainer (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), ETS Praxis National Reading Advisory Committee, and a member of the LD Worldwide Board of Directors. Joan is also an adjunct instructor at Fitchburg State College.

Joan has authored a number of books and articles, including the “Landmark Study Skills Guide” (1st ed. 1989), “Study Skills: A Teaching Guide” (2nd ed. 2001), “Active Learning and Study Strategies Using Kurzweil 3000” (2003), and “Writing: the Road to Reading Comprehension” Module 11 of the LETRS reading training series (2004). She is also the author of the Keys to Literacy professional development books, including “The Key Three Routine: Comprehension Strategies”, “The Key Vocabulary Routine”, “Keys to Literacy: School Wide Literacy Planning”, and “The Key Notebook Routine”.