Vermont Agency of Education explores poetry integration in classrooms

The Vermont Agency of Education's Proficiency-Based Learning team has released the latest edition of their seasonal publication, "Literary Learning." Edited by Emily Leute, the newsletter includes a variety of topics related to English Language Arts (ELA) and literacy education.

In this issue, Emily Leute shares insights from attending the Vermont Council on Literacy’s spring conference featuring poet and educator Georgia Heard. Heard's presentation, titled "Bringing Poetry to Life: Simple, Joyful Ways to Weave Poetry into Each Week," offered strategies for integrating poetry into classroom routines. These include creating collaborative poems and using poetry to support students' social-emotional learning through what Heard describes as the Two Poetry Toolboxes—the Sensory Toolbox and the Musical Toolbox. She also introduced her concept of a “Heart Map” as a way for students to explore their thoughts and feelings through writing.

The newsletter also highlights new proficiency scales for K-8 ELA that are now available on the Agency of Education’s website. These scales provide criteria-based assessments designed to show levels of knowledge and skills for specific performance indicators.

Additionally, Emily Leute discusses an instructional tool from Student Achievement Partners called the Essential x Equitable (e2) Instructional Practice Framework. According to SAP, this framework aims to support high-quality instruction in K-12 classrooms by focusing on grade-level content that is joyful, linguistically sustaining, and culturally responsive-sustaining.

Leute explains how the e2 framework provides guidance across various content areas with a focus on creating inclusive environments that promote student agency and engagement. Specific sections within the framework address literacy instruction practices that empower students through diverse texts and encourage active participation in learning experiences.

Further resources mentioned include Act 139 requirements for local education authorities, a webinar on phonics instruction by Dr. Louisa Moats, and detailed outlines for asynchronous literacy professional learning series available through Read Vermont.

For more information or inquiries about "Literary Learning," readers can contact Emily Leute at emily.leute@vermont.gov.