The bulk of the work for the state writing portfolio comes from the writing block, and the Kentucky Marker Papers act as a guide to help teachers assess various genres of writing to plan instruction. Classroom and school libraries should be available to allow all children to have access to books of their own choice. Public library branches are also willing to provide classroom libraries for teachers in the school district so that children will have a choice of engaging reading materials. During this block, the teacher acts as a coach and conferences with approximately five students a day to assess and teach individual reading processes and comprehension. While conferencing, the teacher listens to children read aloud, asks children about their reading to see if they are applying the strategies being taught in the other blocks, and informally assesses each child's reading progress.
Teachers can work through modules wherever they can get connected to the Internet.
Modules include text, video of practice in JCPS schools, audio of student performance, student work samples, graphics, threaded discussion, and other features. Teachers have access to the modules for two years. Professional bibliographies with books that match the model will be distributed for use in teacher study groups in individual JCPS schools. Professional development credit will be available. I resource teachers will be trained in the model and will be able to conduct professional development at the local school.