We use LLI in our building and own the kits for grades K-3. Pros: -Our teachers have raved about the quality/interest level of the books - the students love them. -There is a balance of fiction and non-fiction. -Students get exposure to a new book with each new lesson. -Everything you need is included in the kit. -It is comprehensive, not targeted . . . it addresses all areas of the "Big 5." I especially like the writing component. -Teachers love the anchor charts (alphabet and cluster charts) and students readily use them. -Student data has been positive for below level students (see below for elaboration on this).
Cons: -To do justice to each lesson, you need a full 30 minutes of instruction. Most of our instructional blocks (core and supplemental) are 20-25 minutes in length and it takes some flexibility to make the 30 minute block work. -Copying the resources can take a lot of time, although I have become more selective in what really needs to be copied for lessons (worksheets) and what students can do in their writing book (same purpose as the worksheet) without a photocopy. -The data in our building has not been as convincing for students who are way below the benchmark for the grade level, but very convincing for students who are below but closer to benchmark (hope that makes sense). In other words, our most struggling students did not make significant gains, but groups closer to benchmark more often than not reached the end of year proficiency level. We were reminded that no intervention is a "one size fits all and" and it may be that this intervention wasn't meant for the most struggling students. -In my experience using the program, some students are not at the level indicated in the lesson for word work. I have supplemented this, determining needs with the Words Their Way assessment. I know F and P worked hard to match the word work to the approximate developmental level of the student, but sometimes differentiation is necessary Other information: -We do not use the benchmark assessment. We use DRA 2. -I have used grade 2 LLI for 3rd grade students and 3rd grade for 4th grade students. The interest level of the books is high so this does not create an issue in that way. I hope this is at least a little helpful. Good luck! Beth Bonner Instructional Coach -----Original Message----- From: Nicole Power <[email protected]> To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group <[email protected]> Sent: Mon, Mar 25, 2013 10:38 am Subject: [MOSAIC] Fountas&Pinnell LLI My school does not have a reading intervention program or a leveled reading library. We are considering ordering the Blue second grade level of LLI to use with students who are in third grade and significantly behind in reading. I would like to hear from those who have experience with this program. What are the pros and cons? Did you supplement the program with a more direct instruction phonics program? Is the benchmark assessment really a necessary component or could you get similar information using other assessments of reading we currently have? This forum offers great discussion. I look forward to any info you can share about LLI and would be happy to receive replies on or off the forum. Thanks! Nicole Nicole Power, M.S., M.Ed. CCC-SLP/RTI Coordinator [email protected] _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
