Facilitation Guide: Module 101: Text Complexity and Text-Dependent Questions
Timeframe to Complete the Module: Allow approximately 4–5 hours for this module.
Materials: What You Need
- Module 101 PPT file
- Participant Handouts (pp. 1–62)
- Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool, ELA, K-2
- Instructional Materials Evaluation Tool, ELA, 3-12
Directions for Implementation:
Topic
Time
Materials Needed
15 minutes
PowerPoint
slides
Slides 1–10
Introduction
Essential Questions, Norms,
Agenda, and short history of the
IMET
Shifts Overview
A general overview of the three
ELA shifts and the research
associated with them.

Participant Handout, p. 1
15 minutes
Slides 11–20

Participant Handout, p. 2
o (Slide 11) Depending on the needs of the group, this
information may need to be adjusted. The presenter
may use any of the slides 12-20 or choose from the
following options to review the 3 ELA Shifts:
1. (14 minute): Show video of Sandra Alberti
presenting the shifts to Illinois parents:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3xyRsyxENo
2. Have participants read Handout, p. 2. Tell them
to underline what resonates with them about the
requirements of the shift. Get up and find a
partner to discuss (partner with same color
1
shoes, same hair color and/or eye color, etc.)
Shift 1, then Shift 2, and Shift 3.
Color the Shifts
This is an introductory preview
activity where participants look
closer at IMET to get a feel for
the layout and the metrics.
Structure of the IMET
Deeper look into structure of
IMET from alignment materials to
indicators of quality
10–15
minutes
Slides 21–23
5–10
minutes
Slides 24–26
Non-Negotiable 1: Text
Complexity
Evaluating text complexity
through qualitative and
quantitative measures
45–60
minutes
Slides 27–45
Alignment Criteria 1: Range and
Quality of Text
50–60
minutes
Slides 46–59
In the unlikely case the Shifts are new to reviewers, there is
a 1-2 hour PD module available at:
http://achievethecore.org/page/394/professionaldevelopment-introduction-to-the-ela-literacy-shifts-detail-pg
 Participant Handout, p. 3
 K–2 & 3–12 IMET, pp. 4, 8, 12, 19, 24, 30, 36, 41, 48 are
the criteria overview pages.
 Materials: Pink, yellow and green highlighters (one for
each participant
 IMET
o Non-Negotiable 1A, p. 5, K–2 and 3–12
o Alignment Criteria, p. 12, K-2 and 3-12
o Indicators of Quality, p. 55, K–2
o Indicators of Quality, p. 57, 3–12
 Participant Handout
o Text Complexity Grade Bands, p. 4
o Example 1: Quantitative Analysis of Great Fire
excerpt, pp. 5-7
o Qualitative Complexity Rubric for both
Informational and Literary texts, pp. 8-9
o Answer Key for Example 1, pp. 10-13
o Tool Band Placement, p. 14
o Grade 4 basal series example, p. 15 and a second
example on page 16
 IMET
Non-Negotiable Evidence column, p. 5, K–2 and 3–12
If further information is needed on text complexity, refer to
the Common Core State Standards, Appendix A.
 IMET
o Alignment Criteria, p. 12, K–2 and 3–12
2

Evaluating material based on
rage of text types and genres


Non- Negotiable 2: Text
Dependent Questions
Evaluating questions for text
dependency
50–60
minutes
Slides 61–73


Alignment Criteria 2: Questions
and Tasks
Examining student tasks while
working with text
45–60
minutes
Slides 74–84


Video: https://vimeo.com/132681353 (use minutes
25:51-31:39)
Speakers for video
Participant Handout
o Range and Quality of Text, p. 17
o Independent Reading, p. 18
o 2 excerpts from comprehensive materials, pp. 19-26
IMET
o Non-Negotiable 2, p. 8, K–2 and 3–12
o Non-Negotiable 1 and 2 Summary, pp. 7 & 11, K–2
and 3–12
Participant Handout
o Analyzing Question Quality and Answer Key, pp. 27–
30
o Example or Non-example Performance Task, p. 31
o Text-Dependent “Order in the Court,” p. 31
o Close Reading Text Dependent, p. 32
o Fossil Fish and Earthquake Passage and Question Set,
pp. 33–46
Participant Handout
o The Making of a Scientist, pp. 47–61
o Academic Vocabulary Examples or Non-examples, p.
62
o The Making of a Scientist Questions, pp. 52–57
o Fossil Fish and Earthquake Passage and Question Set,
pp. 33–46
IMET
o Alignment Criterion 2 Metric 2B, p. 21, K–2 and 3–
12
If groups need more practice with text-dependent questions
and tasks, there is a 1-4 hour PD module available from SAP
at: http://achievethecore.org/page/396/professionaldevelopment-understanding-text-dependent-questionsdetail-pg
3
Closing for Day 1
5 minutes
Slides 86–87
4