The Literacy Coach's Role in Supporting Teachers' Implementation of the Common Core State Standards in Writing

Introduction

The International Literacy Association (ILA, formerly IRA) states that the preparation of literacy professionals needs to focus on their own professional learning and leadership roles in the areas of both reading and writing (IRA, 2010). Specifically, ILA states that literacy professionals should model literacy practices in both reading and writing, seek answers to unknown questions about reading and writing instruction, and provide professional development opportunities in both reading and writing. Although reading instruction has been the primary focus of literacy instruction for many years (National Commission on Writing in America’s Schools and Colleges, 2003), recently, with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS, 2010), writing has been given more attention. As a result, teachers need support in interpreting the goals for CCSS in writing, integrating writing into their literacy and content-area curricula, and delivering high-quality writing instruction for all students. Further, since many teachers report that their teacher-preparation programs did not adequately prepare them to teach writing (Cutler & Graham, 2008; Gilbert & Graham, 2010), support from experts in this area is even more pressing. According to ILA, literacy coaches will need to play a key role in supporting teachers through this change. Specifically, the ILA standards state that reading specialists and literacy coaches should “Demonstrate an understanding of local, state, and national policies that affect reading and writing instruction” (IRA, 2010, standard 6.4) and should “Collaborate in, leading, and evaluating professional development activities for individuals and groups of teachers. Activities may include working individually with teachers (e.g., modeling, coplanning, coteaching, and observing) or with groups (e.g., teacher workshops, group meetings, and online learning)” (IRA, 2010, standard 6.3).

The purpose of this chapter is to share the results of a survey study that examined elementary teachers’ perceptions’ of the professional development experiences they had regarding implementation of the CCSS in writing. In addition, the survey provides information about teachers’ perceptions of the instructional challenges they face in teaching writing under the CCSS and their suggestions about what support would be most beneficial to them in the future as they work to implement the CCSS in writing. The survey results provide useful insights and considerations for literacy coaches as they plan professional development (PD) and other support in the area of writing.