Diversity in literacy skills:

In 6th grade there is a huge difference in literacy skills in ELA, science, social studies and even PE.

In the context of math, a lot of issues related to word problems stem from literacy issues.

Impact of language differences on literacy:

Diversity in literacy skills is also impacted by speech and language skills and delays.

Learning to read and write in more than one language improves phonological awareness in both languages. Difficulties in one area can also impact competency in more than one language.

Phonological awareness and phonemic awareness:

Understanding the individual sounds of letters and digraphs. Understanding how to put together the sounds that make a word.

There is a disparity between groups of students' skills with comprehension and ability to connect to the text. Language barriers affect students' ability to "keep up" with their peers due to having deficits in their home language and English. Colloquial differences in language can alter student understanding of word choice, such as Maryland and Atlanta students understanding informal language choices with different meanings. If parents utilize non-English languages at home, students do not have practice opportunities in all settings, which can reduce their understanding and impact their literacy.

1. What diversity in literacy skills have you observed in your 

       own students?

Some of our students can decode words accurately, but struggle with comprehension. Some younger students are still learning letter sounds. In a middle school special education co-taught classroom, we can see students skill levels varying from able to read at grade level to unable to read independently. Some students also have strong verbal language skills but struggle with written expression.

1. How do language differences (multilingual backgrounds, 

dialects) impact literacy?

ELL students require additional support across subjects, and can struggle with transferring skills from their first language into English. Some skills in Spanish for example, don't directly translate into English.

1. How do phonological awareness and phonemic awareness

develop independently?

Students can build upon these skills to apply them to real life. For example, they are taught the letter A and what it sounds like and see a picture of an apple and recognize that it starts with the letter A. Students develop larger sound unit awareness so that they can recognize words syllables and rhymes before they develop the ability to isolate and segment and blend words.

1. What diversity in literacy skills have you observed in your 

       own students?
You can tell the difference between high and low literacy skills. multi-lingual learners become more apparent. ESOL students have designated area with special teachers to help support them with their English skills.

1. How do language differences (multilingual backgrounds, 

dialects) impact literacy?
Typically, a family member is used to help translate to parents in order to better help communicate. This is sometimes seen in students ability to communicate effectively.

1. How do phonological awareness and phonemic awareness

develop independently?

Heggarty: A program that is used in Mikayla's school. 20 minutes throughout the day students are able to focus the concept that there is meaning behind words to understand the bigger picture.

1. How does language development influence reading 

comprehension in your grade/subject?

Alot of students are qualifying for IEPs because their language level isn't where its supposed to be. The older kids in high school arent reading other than texting and it effects their ability to communicate effectively.