Developing Student Voice and Confidence

Wherever our work leads us in education, developing student confidence and voice will be critical outcomes. That is why our work in literacy best practices must accelerate each student's skills in writing and speaking, including a much greater emphasis on vocab development.

I have spent a lifetime of work in literacy instruction, and I am convinced that we cannot teach them to read and write just so they can pass a test. We owe them powerful, purposeful literacy skills because each one of our students has something to say!

I refer to this as "Applied Literacy." Literacy in Action. Authentic and Meaningful.

Student voice by this definition is more akin to self-efficacy.
✏️ "I am unique."
✏️ "I am inquisitive and thoughtful."
✏️ "My experiences and perspectives are my strengths."

As literacy leaders, we know that there is no substitute for sound, explicit reading instruction. Once a child can read, a marketplace of learning is forever open to them. Students express their learning and ideas through writing and speaking, a boundless platform for self-expression. We hope you agree. Dan