Language, Literacy,
and Cultural Studies

Denver Public Schools

Best Practices and Look Fors

Best practices describe teaching behaviors that, once put into practice, help develop a vision of highly effective instruction. Best practices in literacy instruction provide a snapshot of what effective classrooms look like. Additionally, "look fors" are what you should see when you visit literacy classrooms. Self-assessment of teaching practices, along with others' assessment, will help focus on specific areas and methods of professional development. For more information on best practices, refer to the Best Practices Presentation (PowerPoint).

All documents are in PDF format, unless noted otherwise.

Elementary Literacy

These documents are now aligned with the DPS 2012–2013 Framework for Effective Teaching Evidence Guide.

Secondary Literacy

  • Best Practices in Grades 6–12 Language Arts Instruction aligned with 2012–2013 Framework for Effective Teaching (coming soon)
  • Look Fors in Grades 9–12 Language Arts Instruction aligned with 2012–2013 Framework for Effective Teaching (coming soon)
  • Components of Text-Level Complexity for Secondary Literacy

English Language Development

Coaching