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In a major stride toward enhancing literacy across all age groups, the Illinois State Board of Education has released a Getting Started Toolkit to accompany the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. This toolkit serves as a launching pad for educators, policymakers, and community members, guiding them through the intricacies of the literacy plan with ease and clarity.

What's Inside the Toolkit?

The toolkit is structured to offer comprehensive support and insights for the successful adoption of the literacy plan. Here’s what it includes:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview of the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan, outlining its objectives, scope, and expected outcomes.
• Legislation Fact Sheet: Essential reading that demystifies the legal framework underpinning the literacy plan, providing stakeholders with a clear understanding of the mandates and policies involved.
• Implementation Process Overview: A step-by-step guide detailing the processes and stages involved in implementing the literacy plan across different educational settings.
• Asset Mapping Document: This innovative document assists schools and districts in identifying existing resources and gaps in literacy education.
• Data Literacy Information Sheet: A vital resource that enhances understanding of data literacy, enabling educators to effectively use data in improving literacy outcomes.
• Screening Information Sheet: Guidelines and information on conducting literacy screenings, aimed at early identification of students who may need additional support.
• Tools and Resources: A compilation of practical tools, resources, and references to support the application of the literacy plan in classrooms and beyond.
• FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions, offering clarity and additional insights on the literacy plan and its implementation.
• Posters: Easy to print resources that support the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan:
  
• Seven Components of Literacy Poster
  
• Seven Domains of Learning Poster​
  
• Reader’s Guides: A personalized guide through the plan for each stakeholder group.

Reader’s Guides: Tailored Guidance for Every Stakeholder

Successful implementation will require the involvement of various stakeholders, so the toolkit includes a series of Reader’s Guides -- each tailored to meet the unique needs and roles of different participants:

• Student Reader’s Guide
• Teacher Reader’s Guide
• Teacher Leader Reader’s Guide
• School Leader Reader’s Guide
• District Leader Reader’s Guide
• Regional Leader Reader’s Guide
• State Leader Reader’s Guide
• Community & Family Reader’s Guide
• Educator Preparation Reader’s Guide

These guides provide targeted information, strategies, and tips to engage every member of the community in fostering literacy development. Each guide is crafted to empower its intended readers, from students to state leaders, with the knowledge and tools necessary for contributing to the literacy initiative.

The Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan's Getting Started Toolkit is more than just a collection of documents; it is a roadmap for transforming literacy education across the state. The toolkit offers detailed guidance tailored to each stakeholder, thus ensuring that policymakers, educators, and families are equipped to play an active role in achieving literacy for all. As this initiative unfolds, it promises to make a significant impact on literacy outcomes, setting a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success. ​​​​​​

Additional Resources​​

• Local Literacy Plan Template: This template serves as an extension of the workbook pages included in the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan to assist districts as they develop tailored literacy strategies. This tool is crafted to assist in the planning process, thus equipping stakeholders with the framework needed to address local needs and foster literacy excellence with a specific and thoughtful local plan.
• Coaching Guidance Presentation and Checklist: Elevate coaching practices with the presentation materials and quick-view checklist. These resources are designed to support literacy coaches and districts looking to implement these supports, providing insights and practical tips to enhance the effectiveness of literacy coaches in driving literacy initiatives.
• Literacy-Specific Addendum to the Curriculum Evaluation Tool:: Enhance curriculum assessments with our latest addition — an addendum specifically tailored for literacy evaluation. This tool empowers educators to ensure curriculum alignment with best literacy practices, fostering optimal learning experiences for students.
• Curriculum Evaluation Tool: Editable document that districts may use as they review curriculum at the local level.
  
• Considerations for Teaching Literacy Instruction of Illinois Multilingual and Bidialectal Learners Presentation and Considerations for Teaching Literacy Instruction of Illinois Multilingual and Bidialectal Learners Handout: The provided resources help to enhance literacy instruction through presentations and coordinating handouts on considerations for teaching literacy to multilingual and bidialectal students. These materials offer valuable insights and practical strategies to empower educators and support diverse learning needs in their classrooms for multilingual, bidialectal, and newcomer students.
  
• Considerations for Support of Newcomer Students Handout
• ​Considerations for Teaching Literacy to Students Experiencing Homelessness Presentation and Considerations for Teaching Literacy to Students Experiencing Homelessness Handout: The presentation and accompanying handout provide practical guidance for districts and schools, serving as companion resources to the Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan. They offer an overview of the McKinney-Vento Act, examine the prevalence and impact of student homelessness, and explore strategies and supports for educators to address these challenges effectively.
  

Just as our Getting Started Toolkit helped to support educators in supporting literacy initiatives at varying levels, these new resources serve as indispensable guides for stakeholders diving into literacy initiatives at the local level. We hope these tools are helpful to districts as they continue making strides in literacy education, empowering individuals and communities for lifelong success.​​​​​​​​​