Literacy Improvement ProjectEDPS 548LEADING IMPROVEMENT IN LITERACY INSTRUCTIONSchool SettingBeulah Shoesmith Elementary is a K-6 school located in the Hyde Park/Kenwood community. Contrary to the assumed socioeconomic status of this community, 91% of students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Many families who reside within the attendance boundary are renters, which also explains the student mobility rate of 21%. Since the district reorganizations, Shoesmith has resided in District 9 under Chief Harrison Peters. Shoesmith Principal Sabrina Gates has over 19 years of experience in education. Prior to becoming principal, Ms. Gates served the Hyde Park community as a reading specialist, reading coach, staff development, and assistant principal. Its sustained leadership and 5E survey reports indicate that Shoesmith is a “well-organized” school. Assistant Principal Nicole Neal brings another set of talents, providing support for students' social and emotional needs. Before coming to Shoesmith School, Ms. Neal served as a high school counselor and assistant professor at Loyola University. Together, administrators collaborate to carry out the Shoesmith 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 our students, including students with disabilities, English language learners, high achievers, and struggling learners. We will challenge every 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 ......servations used data collection instruments designed to focus on educational quality in literacy for the observer, teacher and administrative team. Instructional quality indicators addressed by the data collection practices and this document include:1. Teaching methods – provides information based on teaching practices2. Level of cognition – provides information about the depth and levels of thinking involved in educational activities3. Student engagement – ​​expressed in terms of percentage of observed engagement4. Standards/Goals – identifies instructional focus and alignment to the Common Core Standards5. Teaching practices - specific teaching methods that guide classroom interaction.6. Culture and environment – ​​think about environmental features that have been shown to support literacy