SRA FLEX LITERACY ™ IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 43
Tech Tutor Videos
Available in FLEXWorks , these videos provide an introduction to how various types of
technology in The Project Experience are used. Each video is two to three minutes
long, and topics include the following:
• Searching the Internet • Wikis
• Blogs • Podcasts
• Slideshows • Vodcasts
• Spreadsheets • Websites
• Word Processing
Literacy eHandbook
Additional instructional materials to support grade-level mastery of standards and skills
are available in the Literacy eHandbook in FLEXWorks Project Experience Resources.
Students who need additional support on language conventions can refer to the
instruction and exercises in the eHandbook.
Writing FramesThe writing frames used in The Project Experience are based on the
research in scaffolded writing instruction by Dr. Douglas Fisher (Fisher & Frey, 2007).
The writing frames provide organizational elements such as transitions and sentence
starters that struggling writers often do not include on their own. Teachers model using
the writing frames in the ePresentation, research questions support the content
needed to complete the writing frames, and students use the writing frames to develop
their own writing. Additionally, the ePresentation Writing Frame for each project in
FLEXWorks expands with the writing dynamically, so the teacher can model writing in
detail while students observe. Because the writing frames provide only a skeleton
structure for the writing, instruction can be scaffolded to the skills of each student, and
students at all levels can develop their writing pieces using and adapting the frame as
appropriate.
Writing ExemplarsTeachers can show students the provided Writing Exemplars, also
located in FLEXWorks, for each project. Exemplars show both a writing sample that is
below expectations and one that meets expectations provided by the Assessment
Guides and writing checklists. These exemplars support teacher/student
communications about content, style, and writing conventions needed to successfully
complete and evaluate writing assignments. Guidance for teachers in using the
exemplars with annotations to support instruction is provided in FLEXWorks.
Family LettersFamily Letters are provided in FLEXWorks to communicate with families
about The Project Experience. There is one letter for the beginning of the school year
introducing The Project Experience to families, and there is another letter detailing
each project and telling parents how they can support student learning and success at
home. For more Home-to-School connection support, see the Professional Learning
Environment in FLEXWorks.