For 15 years coaches have been meeting at Kent ISD toward the goal of improving literacy. Over this time the network has grown to include other key literacy leaders.

The evolving nature of the network has prompted a name change to better reflect the members. The new name, Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network (LLCN) puts emphasis on our mission to connect leaders, enhance practice, and improve literacy.

Connecting Leaders.

A key component of this network is connecting with other literacy leaders. During our four face to face meetings, we will have networking opportunities embedded into the day including, conversation around an opening keynote topic, networking lunch, and choice topic sessions with the opportunity to see the work in action. 

Enhancing Practice.

In what ways will we empower ALL learners? This year LLCN will focus on professional learning opportunities that increases our capacity to empower all learners. Two of these opportunities at LLCN include a book study and hot or not sessions.

Book Studies

We will have the opportunity to delve deeper into this topic by exploring and analyzing the research of several nationally known authors. Members of LLCN will receive a book based on their learning path.  At each of the four face-to-face meetings, time will be devoted to delve deeper into the work of that author and strategies will be shared to empower all learners.

Book Study Learning Path Options:

• Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties (Essentials of Psychological Assessment) By David Kilpatrick
• Engaging Children: Igniting a Drive for Deeper Learning K-8 by Ellin Oliver Keene
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
• This is Disciplinary Literacy: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Doing…Content Area by Content Area by Releah Cossett Lent

Hot or Not Sessions

Popular “Hot or Not” sessions engage participants in exploring the latest topics in literacy education.  Members will read through an article of their choice and then take time to dialogue and explore ideas discovered and shared in that article. This will be an opportunity to network and collaborate around specific content with a more conversational approach.

Taking the Learning Even Further

With this focus on delving deeper into learning from the identified authors we also want to encourage members to take advantage of learning from the author themselves.  Kent ISD is hosting two of these authors over the course of this year.

These opportunities are a separate registration cost from LLCN, but members are encourage to attend the session of author they are exploring.

• Ignite Engagement with Ellin Oliver Keene on November 6, 2019! Register HERE
• Essentials of Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties with David Kilpatrick on January 22 & 23, 2020! Registration details coming soon.

Improving Literacy.

At the end of each face to face meeting we will be reflecting as a group on what we have learned throughout the day. The leadership team knows it is important to leave each meeting with ways to implement the learning. In addition to this rich discussion, we will take that learning and create a communication plan to share within our districts.

Why Should YOU Join LLCN?

Literacy Leaders and Coaches Network is a premiere educational community in West Michigan providing ongoing professional learning to connect leaders, enhance practice, and improve literacy.  ⇒Click here to join LLCN today!⇐