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Literacy

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Resources from the Virginia Literacy Partnerships:

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Virginia Literacy Partnerships Homepage
science-based literacy instruction video Links to Vimeo player
Science-based literacy instruction - video
Virginia literacy screener revision video Links to Vimeo player
Science-based literacy instruction - video

The Kastner Collection: Decoding Prompts and Bookmarks

Dr. Pam Kastner, Kastner Literacy Collection with Book Icon Logo

This Wakelet includes prompts to support decoding that aligns with science of reading and the orthographic mapping process. Decoding bookmarks and other related resources (posters, etc.) have been created by a number of literacy experts who have generously shared them and allowed them to be offered at no cost.

Online Literacy Instruction Resource Library:

Structured Literacy is the term adopted by the International Dyslexia Association in 2014 that is meant to be inclusive of all programs and approaches that teach reading through an explicit and systematic approach.

Instructional Principles of Structured Literacy:

  • Explicit & Direct
  • Systematic & Sequential 
  • Cumulative
  • Diagnostic
  • Multisensory
  • Progress Monitoring

Instructional Content Areas of Structured Literacy:

  • Phonology
  • Sound Symbol
  • Syllabication
  • Morphology
  • Semantics & Syntax

An example of Structured Literacy is the Orton-Gillingham instructional approach. It is designed to address the needs of struggling readers who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing, including those with a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia. There are many programs based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, including The Wilson Reading System®S.P.I.R.E.®The Barton Reading and Spelling SystemLEXIAThe ABeCeDarian Reading Program, and more.

If you would like more information about Structured Literacy approaches which are often recommended for poor decoders and students with dyslexia  (e.g., International Dyslexia Association, 2017) check out this article.

According to the Virginia Department of Education, the goal of literacy instruction in Virginia is to ensure that all children have the necessary skills to become successful readers, writers, speakers, and listeners with the critical thinking skills that are required to be successful as they progress and transition through the stages of their lives.

Virginia's Guidelines for Educating Students with Specific Learning Disabilities

VDOE Literacy Resources

The National Reading Panel’s analysis made it clear that the best approach to reading instruction is one that incorporates:

  • Explicit instruction in phonemic awareness
  • Systematic phonics instruction
  • Methods to improve fluency
  • Ways to enhance comprehension

Put Reading First

 

For questions or additional information about literacy supports, contact Wendy Wilson, Coordinator of Reading.

Virginia Literacy Act

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Dyslexia: A Deeper Understanding

Dyslexia: A Deeper Understanding video title page
A six-module series presenting information around a deeper understanding of dyslexia is now available through the Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) at William & Mary website. The series was created by a team of TTAC specialists from across the commonwealth, parents of children with dyslexia, and experts in the field of dyslexia.

Dyslexia Advisors/LETRS Facilitators Homepage

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Technical assistance, information, resources, and professional development opportunities within a Google Site to support persons fulfilling the role of Dyslexia Advisor and those persons who are local LETRS Facilitators.
LETRS text displayed over a book
"The LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) Suite is professional learning that provides educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. Developed by renowned literacy experts Dr. Louisa Moats, Dr. Carol Tolman, and Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson, it is a flexible literacy professional learning solution for educators and administrators. LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the fundamentals of reading instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language."

Literacy Resources

Alphabet APP Logo with Star
Learn more about multisensory apps.
AIM Virginia Logo
Free accessible instructional materials for students with IEPs.

Dyslexia Resources

Dyslexia Awareness Training Module. Required for initial and renewal licensing beginning July 1, 2017.

Dyslexia Training Module  Text next to a stack of books.
Dyslexia Awareness Training Module. Required for initial and renewal teacher licensing beginning July 1, 2017.

Family Literacy

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Family Resource Center
dyslexia
Dyslexia: Frequently Asked Questions is designed to be a resource for teachers, administrators, and parents to address the educational needs of students with dyslexia.
Virginia's Guidelines for Educating Students with Specific Learning Disabilities Document Cover Page.  Mind with gear surrounded by icons standing for subject matter
Virginia's Guide to Educating Students With Specific Learning Disabilities.