"Donna shared that a proficient reader in 8th grade needs 50,000-80,000 words along with background knowledge. This will have quite an impact on whether or not a student is a successful reader in my 10th grade Global Studies course. It leads to the need for me to include vocabulary and general background information when presenting new concepts in the course. Chapter 5 will be a resource for further information."

"Beverly had some great, great ideas! She makes it sound so pracitical and easy with step by step directions. I do believe she is the best yet.

Again, the theme is core instruction is where it is at! "

"I like hearing from someone with a secondary focus. In this case, I especially like Dr. Brozo's idea of making Rti = Responsive Testing and Instruction. This adjustment may help some teachers realize that Rti, like many other initiatives we see, is an attitude and approach to teaching and not simply a bag of tricks to use."

"One of the aspects of teaching that I have always loved is the " Challenge" of doing what is best for all of my students. I was happy to see that research supports the qualities that I have learned to know as those of a " Good Teacher". I am concerned that our current funding problems will force the approach from an RTI team approach for intervention to a classroom teachers approach which in the middle school will be MORE than a challenge. "

"I chose this chapter because I've worked with English language learners for many years. I enjoy watching them learn and grow. As the authors state on page 137, all learning is cultural. Just as we get to know our English speaking students and their families, we also need to get to know our ELLs and their families. At the beginning of the year, we do a Culture Bag activity (a getting to know me activity). They each decorate a bag to show something about themselves. They place 3-5 items in the back and bring it to school to share with the class. They need to tell something about each item. All of my students enjoy sharing and learning about each other. It gives my ELLs a chance to share information about their countries of origin and their families. We celebrate everyone! This activity helps us in "creating a positive, responsive learning environment that views students' cultural and linguistic diversity as assets". (pg 136) "

"this is my second year attending Paula Gilbert's break out session and again I leave with some new ideas of what books to use. Though I go to the library regularly, it can be easy to miss some great stories unless someone recommends them. "