Leaders in Literacy
Effective Comprehension Instruction Through Standards
Best practices in developing comprehension are supported by a sensory-cognitive instructional methodology. As Einstein put it, “If I can’t picture it, I can’t understand it.” Comprehension instruction, in the form of teaching students how to visualize language (concept imagery), is a critical missing piece in standards-based instruction. Concept imagery is the foundation for recall, comprehension, and higher order thinking, all of which are requisite skills in learning and retaining content standards, regardless of the subject matter.
In Lindamood-Bell’s school partnerships, teachers develop concept imagery by using the Visualizing and Verbalizing (V/V) program in all tiers of instruction, throughout the curriculum and all content standards. This includes application to English/language arts, math, science, social studies, and even PE.
In this presentation, our panel of instructors will share how they apply V/V strategies when teaching English, math, writing, and science for students in elementary, middle, and high school. Applying V/V to the curriculum has had a significant impact on student performance, particularly for struggling students, including those with dyslexia and those receiving special education services.
Our guest speakers have utilized V/V for many years, and have received ongoing professional development in the program to ensure instructional quality and fidelity. It is our pleasure to welcome:
Kellyn Ross—Instructional Coach, Monte Vista School District, CO
Ashley Morelli—3rd Grade Teacher, Pinellas County Schools, FL
Kathy Ewing—Secondary Teacher, Ft. Smith Public Schools, AR
Carla Mathis—Literacy Teacher, Ft. Smith Public Schools, AR
This presentation is appropriate for instructors and administrators, especially those serving at-risk learners and students with disabilities. Educators already using the V/V program will benefit from new strategies on how to apply the program through the curriculum. Others who have not been trained in the program will become aware of a new methodology that teaches and improves comprehension.
The Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE) has endorsed the Seeing Stars® program and the Visualizing and Verbalizing® program, which were authored by Lindamood-Bell’s founders.