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Information and Referral: Chartwell receives many calls each week from parents who are trying to understand their child's learning challenges. As a free service to the community, Chartwell's Center for the Advancement of Language and Literacy (CALL) provides information on diagnostic instruction and other educational strategies that can greatly improve language and literacy aquisition. CALL offers referrals to qualified professionals for further assessment and professional guidance based on years of experience and the most current available knowledge to help parents achieve the best for their child. CALL also works to enable educators to consider how their schools can access new opportunities for literacy development. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Kristen Atkins, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Language and Literacy, at 831.394.3468 ext. 1012 or katkins@chartwell.org.
Free Community Workshops: Launched in 1996, Chartwell community workshops provide a forum where parents, educators, health care professionals and community members can learn more about language-based learning challenges and related solutions from experts in the field. These workshops serve as a vehicle for increasing awareness and providing pertinent information to the larger community. The series is offered free at various locations throughout local communities in Santa Cruz, San Benito, Santa Clara and Monterey Counties. Topics range widely, but generally fall within the categories of universal learning dynamics and literacy education. Presenters include pediatricians, therapists, educators, authors and experts in their fields. For a list of recent topics, please click on the blue link above.
Teacher Training Program: The summer professional development program at Chartwell School is designed to inform practicing educators and administrators about best reseach in reading and learning, techniques for reading instruction, successful testing and assessment, and working with students who learn differently. Click here for more information on TTI or click here for the registration form.
On-Site Training and Professional Development: Chartwell faculty has significant expertise in the identification, assessment, and academic remediation of students with specific learning variations. Unfortunately, standard credential programs for classroom teachers often do not address strategies for identifying or teaching many of these students. Chartwell School is pleased to offer customized training workshops for other organizations and schools. Director of the Center for the Advancement of Language and Literacy (CALL), Kristen Atkins is available to work with organizations to identify the specific professional development needs of their staff and volunteers. BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB: Chartwell has provided training about the relationship between behavior, school success and literacy levels for the entire Salinas and Monterey Peninsula staff. Chartwell is also meeting with the Boys & Girls Club Education and Careers staff and homework tutors to offer practical workshops so staff can better identify and assist students with behavior and learning challenges.
Learning Specialist Advisors: Chartwell serves as counsel and point of information for teachers, administrators and parents regarding education plans and teaching strategies for students who are struggling in the classroom. The purpose of the Learning Specialist Advisor is to educate faculty and serve as a consultant regarding the most recent scientific research on the identification, assessment and remediation of students struggling in school so that the quality and effectiveness of classroom instruction is maximized. The Learning Specialist Advisor is also available to counsel on learning challenges and sytematic literacy instruction in general; what to look for, where and when a professional assessment should occur, options for remediation, and how to cope with the often threatening idea that a child might require a specialized approach to learning even basic academic skills and strategies.
Early Identification and Intervention Project: Chartwell’s Center for the Advancement of Language and Literacy (CALL), with the assistance of a grant from a local foundation, implemented a longitudinal three-year project at Pacific Grove Unified School District. This pilot program documented the impact of early assessment and intervention on a child's reading development in kindergarten through second grade. CALL pursued this study based on this specific hypothesis: that an early elementary school program that identifies students at risk for reading failure and then intervenes properly can significantly reduce the number of students who require intensive intervention for reading difficulties later in school. In September of 2001, Pacific Grove Unified School District, under the direction of CALL, screened every kindergarten student (111 students) to identify those who were at risk for future reading failure based on DIBELS assessments (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills). Students identified as high risk were provided intensive intervention at school. Year-end screening showed a significant reduction in the number of students whose test results indicated that they were at risk. As a result of this project, the Pacific Grove Unified School District won a Golden Bell Award from the State of California. CALL is available for any school that might be interested in a similar program. Please contact our Director, Kristen Atkins, to discuss this and other programs at 831.394.3486 or katkins@chartwell.org.
Pathways to Literacy: In 2008, Chartwell’s CALL became a regional Center of Excellence in partnership with the nonprofit Hanson Institute for Language and Learning (HILL) in Boston. HILL has been very successful in helping low-performing public schools in many other states raise student literacy and achievement. HILL brings extra levels of experience and success with English language learners. The Pathways to Literacy project is currently underway, as CALL and HILL work together with a local elementary school looking to improve student literacy rates. The first year of the project will focus on understanding the ways the school operates currently. CALL staff will conduct in-depth interviews to understand the strengths, interests, and need for additional professional development among teachers and staff. CALL will also meet with parents and community members. After presenting the findings, CALL will recommend a plan and work with participants to fine tune it and prepare for implementation. CALL will help teachers use Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), developed by the University of Oregon, to assess student progress on specific literacy skills. Chartwell and HILL will provide additional training for all staff, with extra focus on the needs of Spanish speaking students and students with learning variations. Chartwell and HILL staff will teach ways to help students overcome a variety of common difficulties understanding print, strengthen visual and auditory language processing, and handle memory tasks more effectively. Based on experience at other schools, advances in student achievement should become visible in years 2 and 3, with continuing significant improvement in years 4 and 5. This program is flexible to make the educational experience as successful as possible for each student. Any other school interested in a similar project is welcome to contact CALL Director, Kristen Atkins, at katkins@chartwell.org or 831.394.3468 ext 1012.
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