Last school year, the Vancouver School Board rolled out The Responsive Literacy Framework -- a first-of-its-kind framework for VSB.  

The framework (pictured above) and its values guide literacy instruction in the District, with a focus on improving literacy proficiency for all learners. 

 “We wanted to promote a comprehensive, inclusive and just approach to literacy education in the District,” explains Karen Samra and Gina Wong from the literacy team. “It incorporates various pedagogies that focus on the cognitive, social, and cultural aspects of literacy education and fosters a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to teaching and learning.”

The District and its literacy team wanted to create a literacy framework that builds a common language across schools and includes a variety of approaches to literacy.

The project includes

• The literacy framework guiding principles and artwork created by Amber Cornick
• SharePoint website for staff
• Literacy toolbox of activities in each elementary school
• District-wide literacy professional development opportunities

 This approach to literacy education is holistic, interconnected and considers how to de-colonize the literacy practice. It is also strength-based, to foster a growth mindset reflective of our current curriculum.

Influences on the Framework

The Responsive Literacy Framework highlights the importance of providing responsive practices informed by research and culture. A large amount of cross-collaboration was implemented when creating the framework. The team consulted with the Indigenous education department, district learning services, equity and anti-oppression team, reading specialists, other districts and many more groups for its creation. 

“VSB is continually learning from emerging research in brain science, self-regulation and social emotional learning about the most effective ways to teach reading” shared Shannon Burton, director of instruction. “The Responsive Literacy Framework gives a structure to ensure VSB educators are utilizing best practice methodologies when teaching literacy to students.”  

Structured literacy, recommended and supported by the science of reading research, is integrated throughout the framework. This way, foundational skills like phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word knowledge are taught in a systemic and intentional way.

Benefits to Students

A uniform approach is not suitable for everyone. When learning literacy, some young students come through reading while others may come through writing. 

The framework highlights elements from all areas of literacy, including oral languages, cognitive processes, motivation, engagement, as well as the fundamentals of reading and writing. In this approach all parts are valued, and literacy instruction and learning can start at different places. 

“The flexible, inclusive approach provides multiple entrance points for a diverse student community,” explains Karen and Gina. “It also opens different literacy pathways for individual learners and varying teaching practices for teachers.” 

The literacy team adds, “in all literacy teaching and learning, keeping joy, identity, play, story and wonder at the core grounds all experiences for children and teachers.” 

The Framework in Practice

The framework was unveiled to VSB staff in September of last year. 

“The literacy team received many positive comments and feedback about how this supports teachers taking steps to decolonize literacy practices,” says Karen and Gina. 

Staff also shared with the literacy team that the framework fosters reflection on potential actions towards truth and reconciliation. 

Another aspect that resonated with was the emphasis placed on "identity, joy and play" at the core of the framework. 

“Learning should be joyful for both learners and teachers,” says one resource teacher. 

What’s Next

Last year, the District hosted two days for school teams and District staff to come together and learn about literacy practices and instruction. This school year, the literacy team will continue teacher learning on the Documentation & Assessment Cycle, as well as the First Peoples Principles of Learning and Place Based Pedagogy.  

The literacy team will also focus on integrating the framework into all literacy plans, expanding the Literacy SharePoint site and exploring further ways for its full implementation in K-7 education across Vancouver classrooms and schools. 

 “As the District moves into this school year, we are excited to support teachers and educators in Professional Learning Communities” says Karen and Gina. “We will continue to share best practices around literacy education.”

To learn more about the Responsive Literacy Framework and how literacy is taught in the District, listen to episode 11 of VSB: After the Bell below.