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Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
On January 18, 2023, T-TAC ODU hosted The VESOL Alliance at the Newport News Marriott. This unique professional learning event offered a range of high-interest sessions and free resources to over 80 attendees from across regions 2 & 3. Our expert presenters shared VESOL-referenced lesson plans that can be used to engage learners of all ages. If you were not able… Read More Innovative Strategies for VESOL Instruction
The Simple View of Reading: There are TWO Factors to the Equation
In their Science of Reading Defining Guide, the Reading League (2021) tells us “The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing.” Further, among explanation of what the science of reading is NOT, the Reading League asserts, it is not “a single, specific… Read More The Simple View of Reading: There are TWO Factors to the Equation
Keeping Up with the Virginia Literacy Act
Did you know that 3 out of 4 students (grades K-2) in Virginia are reported to be at medium to high risk for not being able to read at grade level? In response to recent early literacy data, The Virginia Literacy Act was passed to ensure all students K-3 will receive evidence-based literacy instruction and… Read More Keeping Up with the Virginia Literacy Act
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) aims to increase access to, and use of, evidence-based approaches to screen, identify, and teach students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia. Resources for Parents & Families present practical ideas, tips and strategies to use at home and during everyday routines with struggling readers. Among the many resources, NCIL… Read More The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL)
Filling the Gaps in Literacy Curricula
Curriculum Evaluation Tools The Reading League has a Curriculum Evaluation Tool to help you identify gaps that need to be addressed. It aligns with each strand of the Reading Rope. Other tools and resources to strengthen your literacy instruction can be found in A Principal’s Primer for Raising Reading Achievement and LETRS Foundations: An Introduction… Read More Filling the Gaps in Literacy Curricula
Online Learning
Online Learning
Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties Book Study Modules
Introduction to Online and Blended Teaching Free Self-Paced Course
Resources
Resources
The VDOE Reading Network provides K-12 teachers with effective strategies to increase the reading achievement of students with disabilities. Following are useful resources.
Dyslexia Awareness
- The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity and Strategies to Support Struggling Readers (Kids Can’t Wait)
- Dyslexia Awareness Module
- Dyslexia Frequently Asked Questions
Virginia Department of Education Resources
- 2017 VDOE English Standards
- VDOE English/Reading/Writing Resources
- VDOE Comprehensive Literacy Webinar Series
T-TAC Online Reading Resources
Reading Sites of Interest
National Center on Improving Literacy
A source for improving outcomes for students with literacy related disabilities including dyslexia.
The Literacy Bill of Rights from the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at UNC
Students with disabilities have the right to an opportunity to read. Here is an excerpt from the Literacy Bill of Rights (Yoder, Erickson & Koppenhaver, 1997).
The IRIS Center at Vanderbilt University is a national center dedicated to improving education outcomes for all children, especially those with disabilities birth through age twenty-one. Find a list of reading related resources in this document: The IRIS Center’s Resources for Teaching Reading
The Florida Center for Reading Research
Vaughn Gross Center for Reading
- Online professional development dedicated to improving instruction for all students, especially struggling readers, English language learners, and special education students.
PALS Virginia Activities and Resources
- Providing educators and students access to the highest quality practices and resources in reading and language arts instruction.
The Lexile Framework for Reading
- Lexile measures are reported with the scores of students taking SOL reading tests in grades 3-8. Instructional resources can be found at the Lexile.com website. One helpful resource is the Find the Book feature. Enter either a student Lexile score (from a recent SOL test), or the student’s current grade level. Next, choose subject(s) of interest, and a tailor-made, leveled book list will be created for the student.
