Literacy Improvement ProjectEDPS 548LEADING IMPROVEMENT IN LITERACY INSTRUCTIONSchool SettingBeulah Shoesmith Elementary School is a K-6 school located in the Hyde Park/Kenwood community. Contrary to the assumed socioeconomic status of that community, 91% of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch. Many of the families residing within the attendance boundary are renters, which also attributes to the 21% student mobility rate. After the redistricting, Shoesmith resides in District 9 under the direction of Chief Harrison Peters. Shoesmith Principal Sabrina Gates has over 19 years in the education field. Prior to her role as principal, Mrs. Gates served the Hyde Park community as a reading specialist, reading teacher, staff developer and assistant principal. Its sustained leadership and 5E survey reports indicate that Shoesmith was classified as a "well organized" school. Assistant Principal Nicole Neal contributes another set of talents, providing support for students' social and emotional needs. Before coming to Shoesmith School, Ms. Neal worked as a high school counselor and is an adjunct professor at Loyola University. Together, the trustees work together to advance Shoesmith's mission. Shoesmith Mission We believe that every student at our school is capable of learning and thinking at high levels. We will meet the academic and social-emotional needs of all of our students, including students with disabilities, English language learners, high-achieving students, and struggling students. We will challenge each student by providing a safe and stimulating learning environment that encourages self-expression and creativity and by setting high expectations, using a rigorous research base... middle of paper... services used data collection tools designed to focus on literacy instructional quality for the observer, teacher, and administrative team. Indicators of educational quality addressed by data collection practices and this document include:1. Teaching methods: provides information based on teaching practices2. Level of cognition: provides information on the depth and levels of thinking involved in teaching activities3. Student engagement – ​​expressed in terms of percentage of observed engagement4. Standards/Objectives – identifies instructional focus and alignment to common core standards5. Teaching practices: specific teaching methods that guide classroom interaction.6. Culture and environment – ​​reflect on environmental features that have been shown to support literacy teaching