The conversation focuses on the lessons learned on 90/90/90 schools from the fearless instruction perspective on the importance of defining proficiency in nonfiction writing for students, emphasizing the need for clarity in expectations and understanding where students start. It discusses implementing research-proven practices to guide students from their starting point to proficiency in writing.

Follow on Twitter: @AllysonApsey @bamradionetwork @jonHarper70b

Dr. Ann Perez is the Director of Professional Learning at Creative Leadership Solutions. She has served for 28 years as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, executive director of teaching and learning, and now, coach. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, The Ohio State University, and Virginia Tech, Dr. Perez is passionate about developing adults to support student success. Her favorite strategy for change is the master schedule, believing anything is possible with a great schedule.

Allyson Apsey has taught grades three through eight and has been a principal for all levels K-12. Recognizing the significant impact trauma has had on many of our students, staff and families, Allyson became a Certified Trauma Practitioner in Education. Allyson writes on a blog called “Serendipity in Education” and has authored several books, including her newest book called Leading the Whole Teacher and the best-selling book The Path to Serendipity. She has been published in Principal Magazine and was featured in a TedX Talk called “Serendipity is Everywhere.” Allyson is an associate with Creative Leadership Solutions where she works with districts and schools across the nation to improve performance at every level from the classroom to the boardroom, with evidence, passion, and results. She loves speaking to passionate groups of educators as everyone works to be happy and effective people for the benefit of everyone.

Marla Conteh, an educational leader from Turlock, California, is a passionate advocate for equity and inclusive learning. As a former English Learner, her mission is to create safe, supportive environments for all scholars. With over 25 years of experience, she has served as an elementary teacher, TK–12 instructional coach, and school principal. She also teaches future educators at CSU Stanislaus, focusing on cultural proficiency and inclusive classroom management.

Keywords nonfiction writing, student proficiency, educational practices, evidence-based research, writing expectations

Takeaways

What's the end game for students?

What does proficient nonfiction writing look like at each grade level?

Having clarity of what the expectations are.

Where are our students starting?

Working together to analyze practices.

Research proven practices for student success.

Evidence-based practices in education.

Finding it in scholarly research.

Getting our students from the starting point to the end point.

Expectations for nonfiction writing at each grade level.

Defining Proficiency in Nonfiction Writing

Research-Proven Practices for Student Success

90/90/90 Schools

Fearless Instruction

Quotables

"What's the end game for students?"

"Where are our students starting?"

"Finding it in scholarly research."

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Follow Twitter: @LisaPas220 |@ Juliana_worrell | @Jenschwanke | @bamradionetwork | @jonHarper70bd

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Juliana Worrell is the Chief Schools Officer K-8 for Uncommon Schools. Previously, Juliana served as an assistant superintendent, managing 14 of Uncommon’s North Star and Brooklyn elementary schools. Under Juliana’s leadership, her schools have consistently outperformed end-of-year state exam averages, with nearly all outperforming their respective states’ highest performing subgroups. Juliana is co-author of the book Great Habits, Great Readers, which is a comprehensive guide for K-4 Reading instruction.

Jen Schwanke, Ed.D., is a longtime educator who has served as a teacher and leader at all levels. She is the author of five ASCD books, including her most recent title, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools. She is also the author of the newsletter for school leaders titled “Principal Problems with Dr. Jen.”Schwanke co-hosts “Principal Matters” Podcast. She has been active in developing and presenting training, professional development, and keynote addresses to various organizations around the United States. An instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, Dr. Schwanke currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio. jenschwanke.com.

Lisa Leaheey taught English at North Providence High School for the entirety of her 23-year career. A lifelong voracious reader and movie buff, she spends every day sharing her passion for stories with her students, and she continuously seeks out new ways to elevate her students’ individual strengths and to support their individual needs.