About MPCL

Overview

Maine Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy (MPCL) is a K-12 continuous school improvement model dedicated to increasing student achievement through on-going professional development for educators and leadership teams.  The model uses literacy as a tool for measuring school improvement in four related areas: student learning, teacher perceptions, school climate, and school processes.

There are ten features on which a Maine Partnership school focuses its work to support long-term improvement.

Feature 1: A Framework for Literacy

Uses a workshop approach for meeting the needs of all students within an integrated, inquiry-based curriculum.

Feature 2: Coaching and Mentoring

Uses contingent scaffolding, coaching cycles, and a gradual release model for increasing teacher efficacy.

Feature 3: Model Classrooms

Creates constructivist setting where teachers meet together to apprentice one another in implementing the literacy framework.

Feature 4: High Standards

Based on the Common Core State Standards and professional standards that align with specific benchmarks along a literacy continuum.

Feature 5: Comprehensive Assessment System

Includes a school-wide seamless assessment system with multiple measures for evaluating success.

Feature 6: System Interventions

Includes Reading Recovery and small group interventions in grades K-3 and classroom and supplemental group interventions in grades 4-12.

Feature 7: Collaborative Learning Teams

Uses authentic contexts for learning, including study groups, book clubs, peer observations, cluster conferences, and demonstration lessons.

Feature 8: Well-Designed Literacy Plan

Includes short and long-term goals with specific benchmarks for continuous literacy improvement.

Feature 9: Technology for Learning

Uses technology to learn about the world, including searching for information, communicating with others, and creating new products.

Feature 10: Spotlighting and Advocacy

Uses techniques for disseminating information on the model, including news releases, articles, school reports, and presentations.