Progress in Grand Rapids Michigan

I recently received an email from my contact in Grand Rapids. The subject heading of her email was; Plugged In--WOW! The following is what she had to say:

Hello All,
This morning I visited our 3 schools using the new Plugged In to Reading program: Alger Middle, MLK Academy, and Central H.S. Here is a snapshot of great things happening with respect to literacy and learning:

1. The first hour class in Mr. Lewis' room woke up quickly when he rapped a poem from the novel students are reading! 100% of the students were on task when it came time to read the book, Masquerade Bronx, a book the whole class is reading. In fact, I dare use the word "mesmerized" to describe the level of engagement students demonstrated while reading. Plugged In? You bet!

2. Students at MLK Academy in Ms. Lee's class were working independently with their literature selections. 3 students I spoke with were able to tell me about their books, including personal connections they made to main characters, what had confused them, and how they would get "unstuck." When I asked one student what she likes about Plugged In to Reading she said, "I get to read about people I would probably never meet and learn about their lives." I was impressed with her thinking b/c she was reading a book about an Amish girl, and discovered both she and the character had visited the state of Indiana. All students were working independently while Ms. Lee conferenced with students.

3. Students at Alger were just beginning to learn about roles one can play to stay engaged with a text and/or use when having a discussion about a text. Using the Engage, Explore, Explain model, students were introduced by Mrs. Cook to the Forecaster, the Journalist, and the Magician. Students were going to try one of these roles when reading their individual selections. Mrs. Cook is teaching the roles as she prepares students for literature circles.
Overall, I saw some great learning occurring, and I was there for just a snapshot. Teachers shared materials with me, which I will pass on to all the Plugged In teachers soon. All 3 instructors had good things to say about Plugged In.