Transitioning to the New F&P Gradient

1. Transitioning to the New F&P Gradient Fall 2019

2. What is the Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient? • The gradient is a tool used by teachers to help choose leveled books for guided reading instruction. • It is a continuum that assists with monitoring students’ reading progress. • The gradient serves as a guide by providing a range of textlevels for each gradelevel.

3. GES is transitioning to the NEW F&P Text Level Gradient

4. Why did Fountas and Pinnell change their gradient? • Trends in early literacy learning • More children attend preschool • Greater exposure to environmental print (especially with device usage) • Districts have shifted toward full-day kindergarten • Upward trends in reading abilities in kindergarteners, first graders, and second graders • Based on national research conducted over decades • Students are better prepared to read • Early foundational skills suggest students should be ready to tackle more challenging texts

5. What does this mean? There will be some changes! • Your child’s F&P level will probably be different this fall than it was last spring. • This is in addition to any progress or regression that occurred during the summer. • Your child may appear to be reading at a lower level. • The leveling tool (i.e. the gradient) has changed; your child’s reading ability has not -- so don’t panic! • Criteria for intervention will be different. • If your child is reading below grade level, that does not mean he/she will automatically qualify for intervention. • Additional support will be provided during WIN time. • See the RtI handbook for more information.

6. What does this mean? (Continued) Some things will remain the same! • Your child will still receive guided reading instruction with appropriately leveled books. • Teachers will select leveled texts from Journeys and the Literacy Center (Scholastic, Gear Up, Benchmark Education, Key Links, trade books, etc.) • These books may be sent home for additional practice. • Text complexity is the same. • For example, a “Level J” text will have the same structure, features, and present the same challenge as it always has. • Reading behaviors are the same. • Students are expected to demonstrate developmentally appropriate reading behaviors at each level. • F&P benchmarks will still be given in the fall and spring. • This data is used for planning instruction, monitoring progress, grouping students, and as criteria for RtI and G&T. It is not the basis for reading achievement!

7. Why change now? This transition has been discussed for years. First we had to… • Implement the CCSS/NJSLS • These standards tell us what to teach. • Select programs and materials that align with the standards • This is a fluid and flexible process that can be modified every year. • Administer the PARCC/NJSLA • The data from these assessments lets us know how well our students meet the standards in ELA and math. • Provide full day kindergarten • This lays the foundation for reading success.

8. Transitioning to the new gradient will take time! The class of 2027 (incoming 1st graders) will be the first group to progress through the updated gradient.

9. What can you do at home? Read some more Discuss Read • Choose a variety of genres and topics • Pick high-interest books • Don’t worry about levels • Your child’s teacher will send home guided reading books for practice • Talk about vocabulary – word meanings, synonyms, antonyms, etc. • Make connections to other books, movies, and family experiences • Have your child make predictions, retell favorite parts, or state new facts • Read aloud books that are more challenging for your child • Allow older or higher-level readers to read picture books too • Listen to audio books in the car • Use the pick-up & drop-off time while you’re waiting in line

10. Questions? Contact Jacquie Kowalczuk – Reading Specialist kowalczukj@gtsd.net 908-859-2022 x3041