The purpose of the ESC 15 Dyslexia Leadership Network is to create supportive relationships with and among district and charter school dyslexia decision makers. Recognizing that our stakeholders face the challenge of understanding and addressing complex issues, our goal is to provide legislative updates, resources, current information regarding best practices, and opportunities for professional learning in order to improve outcomes for students with dyslexia and help them reach their potential. 

2022-2023 Meeting Dates (offered in-person and virtually) from 1:00-3:30:

September 9, 2022

December 9, 2022

February 10, 2023

May 12, 2023

Reading by Design: An Individualized Dyslexia Intervention Program 

Learn the fundamentals of dyslexia intervention through a review of Texas dyslexia laws and current research, as well as best practices in dyslexia instruction. Delve into evidence-based components of instruction and explore continuums for developing reading ability in students with dyslexia. Learn how to deliver daily intervention utilizing Reading by Design, a systematic, explicit, and intensive reading program. Participants will receive the entire Reading by Design program with supplemental resources necessary for small group instruction. Cost is $400 for the kit.  Register using the links below:

January 25, 26, 27, 30, 31, 2022 - Register HERE

June 26-30, 2023- Register HERE

July 24-28, 2023- Register HERE

August 7-11, 2023- Register HERE

A Closer Look Series is a series of supplemental trainings for participants who have completed Reading by Design training and wish to take a closer look at the individual components of the program. Participants must have completed Dyslexia Intervention Fundamentals with Reading by Design OR Reading by Design Bridge prior to attending this training.

A CLOSER LOOK: PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS- VIRTUAL ONLY-  

June 20, 2023 9:00-12:00

This course will delve deeper into phonological awareness.  Participants will review what Phonological Awareness is and why it is important.  The continuum of PA skills will be explored, as well as how the skills are taught in Reading by Design.  Additional scaffolds and multisensory techniques will be shared.

A CLOSER LOOK: HANDWRITING- VIRTUAL ONLY-  

June 20, 2023 1:00-4:00

Participants will delve deeper into the handwriting component of the lessons.  We will explore manuscript and cursive handwriting, the WOW procedure, and how handwriting should be taught within the program.

A CLOSER LOOK: POLISHING OUR PRACTICE FOR READING BY DESIGN - VIRTUAL ONLY- 

June 27, 2023 9:00-12:00

Participants will review lesson components while reflecting on current intervention practices. Delivery method fundamentals associated with each component will be reviewed with time-saving tips and management techniques woven throughout the session.

A CLOSER LOOK: SPELLING AND PHONEME-GRAPHEME MAPPING FOR READING BY DESIGN - VIRTUAL ONLY- 

June 27, 2023 1:00-4:00

We will practice using the SOS procedure during phoneme-grapheme mapping of syllable types and discuss and practice common spelling rules.

A CLOSER LOOK: ADVANCED DECODING AND SYLLABLE DIVISION FOR READING BY DESIGN - VIRTUAL ONLY- 

June 28, 2023 9:00-12:00

Additional scaffolds and multisensory techniques will be shared as we shore up our knowledge of the six syllable types, the steps to word division, and coding concepts.

A CLOSER LOOK: MORPHOLOGY FOR READING BY DESIGN - VIRTUAL ONLY- 

June 28, 2023 1:00-4:00

Participants will: *explore Greek and Latin Roots and affixes 

*know how these morphemes are identified to help with reading, spelling, and vocabulary acquisition.

A CLOSER LOOK: SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION IN THE SECONDARY CLASSROOM - VIRTUAL ONLY - 

June 29, 2023 9:00-12:00

This session is for participants who are using Reading by Design at the secondary level. Participants will review lesson components while reflecting on how to use them effectively with the older student. The use of Mastery Checks and other data to determine placement within the Reading by Design program will be explored. 

A CLOSER LOOK: FOUNDAITONS OF WRITTEN COMPOSITION- VIRTUAL ONLY- 

June 29, 1:00-4:00

This course will delve deeper into written composition, grammar, and the importance of proficient writing.  Participants will explore the stages of typical writing development, as well as understand phrases, dependent clauses, independent clauses, and the construction of sentences.  Additional scaffolds and multisensory techniques will be shared.

This two-day training is targeted for teachers previosly trained in Dyslexia Intervention Program or Certified Academic Language Therapists in good standing or those previously trained in the Dyslexia Intervention Program (DIPs) to learn how to deliver daily intervention utilizing Reading by Design, a systematic, explicit, and intensive reading program. 

Participants will receive the entire Reading by Design program with supplemental resources necessary for small group instruction. 

ALTA Credit will be awarded. 

THIS COURSE REQUIRES ATTENDANCE FOR 2 FULL DAYS OF TRAINING 

June 19-20, 2023- Register HERE

Getting Ready for Reading By Design- Introduction to Volume 0

This class is part of a series of Reading by Design® intervention trainings. This course will introduce participants to Volume 0- Getting Ready for Reading by Design®, a volume of 20 lessons designed for students who need extra support with foundational skills. This material is designed to support foundational literacy before beginning a program like Reading by Design®. Lesson components include phonological awareness, alphabet, fine motor, oral language, and components of language. Participants will receive as part of this training Volume 0, an alphabet deck, a feelings poster, and a set of vocabulary picture cards.  

June 9, 2023 - 9:00-12:00 Register HERE

July 10, 2023- 9:00-12:00 Register HERE

July 31, 2023- 9:00-4:00 Register HERE

Texas Dyslexia Academy 1: Dyslexia Foundations

Texas Dyslexia Academy 1: Dyslexia Foundations is the first of seven training opportunities developed to assist school districts and charter schools regarding dyslexia and related disorders. In this course, participants will learn how students acquire reading skills, why some students struggle in reading, what dyslexia is, and how to know whether dyslexia is the cause of a student's reading difficulties. The objectives for this course are:

• Explore the elements of reading

• Define dyslexia, its characteristics, and related disorders

• Explore the common risk factors for dyslexia

• Understand associated academic difficulties and other conditions

Register by date using the links below:

June 5, 2023  9:00-12:00

Texas Dyslexia Academy 2: The Dyslexia Handbook

Texas Dyslexia Academy 2: The Dyslexia Handbook is the second of six training opportunities developed to assist school districts and charter schools in understanding The Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders. In this course, participants will explore the handbook and learn about updates.  The objectives for this course are:

• Explore The Dyslexia Handbook, 2021 Update

• Define dyslexia, its characteristics, and common risk factors

• Understand universal screening and data review for reading risk

• Understand the evaluation and identification process, and provision of services for students with dyslexia

• Explore critical, evidence-based components of dyslexia instruction

• Understand the evaluation and identification process, and provision of services for students with dysgraphia

Register by date using the links below:

June 5, 2023  1:00-4:00

Texas Dyslexia Academy 3: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual Students

Texas Dyslexia Academy 3: Considerations for Emergent Bilingual Students is the third of six training opportunities developed to assist school districts and charter schools regarding dyslexia and related disorders. In this course, participants will receive a general overview of the unique needs of emergent bilingual students within the dyslexia evaluation process. The objectives for this course are:

• Understand how The Dyslexia Handbook, 2021 Update addresses emergent bilingual students

• Understand the process of second language acquisition

• Learn about the benefits of bilingualism

• Explore the various types of alphabetic systems that exist around the world

• Understand data gathering and formal evaluation

• Explore instructional programming for emergent bilingual students

Register by date using the links below:

June 12, 2023   9:00-12:00

Texas Dyslexia Academy 4: IDEA and Dyslexia COMING SOON!!!

Texas Dyslexia Academy 5: Screening for Dyslexia

Texas Dyslexia Academy 5: Screening for Dyslexia focuses on the universal screening process for dyslexia and reading development. The objectives for this course are:

• Understand the importance of early screening

• Understand the state screening requirements

• Define universal screening for dyslexia and related disorders

• Become familiar with guidelines for the administration of screening instruments

• Explore interpretation of screening results

• Understand the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) requirements related to screening

• Understand best practices for ongoing progress monitoring

Register by date using the links below:

January 18, 2023  9:00-12:00

June 12, 2023  1:00-4:00

Texas Dyslexia Academy 6: Dysgraphia 

Texas Dyslexia Academy 6: Dysgraphia provides educators with foundational information about dysgraphia, which is a related disorder to dyslexia. In this course, participants explore how students acquire writing skills, what dysgraphia is, the identification process, and provision of services for students with dysgraphia as outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook. The objectives for this course are: 

• Understand the simple view of writing and the stages of handwriting development 

• Understand the definition and characteristics of dysgraphia

• Understand the procedures for the identification of dysgraphia 

• Explore instruction for students with dysgraphia 

• Explore instructional accommodations and technology tools 

Register by date using the links below:

March 22, 2023  9:00-12:00

July 10, 2023  1:00-4:00

Dyslexia Assessment Training - These two days of training will address assessments that can be used by educators or diagnosticians responsible for assessing students for dyslexia. Participants will explore the GORT-5, WRMT-III, TWS-5, TOWRE-2 and the CTOPP-2. Day 1 will cover the CTOPP-2, TOWRE-2, and the TWS-5. Day 2 will cover the GORT-5, and the WRMT-III. Please bring your test kits with you if your district has the kit. 

Dyslexia on the Concho 2023  

October 3, 2023

Dyslexia Parent Night  

October 2, 2023

Participants will review the requirements for The Dyslexia Program Evaluation conducted by TEA. Participants will walk through a brief overview of the monitoring process, identify documents required for submission, and begin preparing folders for the district’s evaluation. All members of the dyslexia team are encouraged to attend. If available, bring your district dyslexia policy, a referral packet, and your laptop to create/access documents needed. 

Register by date using the links below:

May 31, 2023 9:00-12:00

spring Book Studies

Self-Paced January-May Spring 2023!!!  Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkis and Kari Yates (Canvas Course)

The current emphasis on the body of research known as the "Science of Reading" has renewed the reading wars and raised challenging questions for balanced literacy teachers about the best way to teach reading. Instead of fueling the debate, Dr. Jan Burkins and Kari Yates have immersed themselves in the research and produced Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom. **BEING AN ONLINE, SELF-PACED COURSE MEANS YOU HAVE UNTIL MAY 19, 2023, FOR ALL ASSIGMNEMTS TO BE COMPLETED TO GET YOUR CPE HOURS. 

Register HERE

Self-Paces January-May Spring 2023!!!  Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Cook Moats (Canvas Course)

Filling a critical gap in teacher preparation courses, Speech to Print supplies K-12 educators with in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of language—fundamentals they need to deliver successful structured literacy instruction. Renowned literacy expert Louisa Cook Moats gives current and future teachers comprehensive, accurate, and accessible information on the underpinnings of language instruction, including: • the history of the English language and its effect on spelling • English phonology, including speech sounds and their distinctive features • how print represents speech in English • the morphological aspects of words • syntax and its instruction • how meaning is conveyed with language Through case studies, activities, recommended teaching principles, and close analysis of real-world student work samples, teachers will also receive invaluable insight into how their students should be taught. Ideal for use in preservice courses and in-service professional development sessions, this essential textbook will give educators the strong foundation they need to teach language and reading skills to students with and without disabilities. **BEING AN ONLINE, SELF-PACED COURSE MEANS YOU HAVE UNTIL MAY 19, 2023, FOR ALL ASSIGMNEMTS TO BE COMPLETED TO GET YOUR CPE HOURS. 

Register HERE

summer Book Studies

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!  Phonics A to Z: A Practical Guide by Wiley Blevins (Canvas Course)

Wiley Blevins outlines the most recent brain research, 7 key characteristics of strong phonics instruction, and powerful instructional routines for accelerating student learning. Also includes special sections on meeting the needs of struggling readers and English language learners, speed drill forms, fluency tips, word sort and word building support, engaging lessons, word lists, games, learning center ideas, technology resources, and more.

Register HERE

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!  Overcoming Dyslexia Second Edition by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. (Canvas Course)

Dyslexia is the most common learning disorder on the planet, affecting about one in five individuals, regardless of age or gender. Now a world-renowned expert gives us a substantially updated and augmented edition of her classic work: drawing on an additional fifteen years of cutting-edge research, offering new information on all aspects of dyslexia and reading problems, and providing the tools that parents, teachers, and all dyslexic individuals need.

Register HERE

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!  The Knowledge Gap by Natalie Wexler (Canvas Course)

THE KNOWLEDGE GAP focuses on a long-overlooked issue lying at the heart of what is known as the achievement gap: the failure of most elementary schools, and especially those serving low-income children, to systematically build knowledge of the world.

Register HERE

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!  Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, OWL LD, and Dyscalculia: Lessons from Science and Teaching by Virginia W. Berninger and Beverly J. Wolf (Canvas Course)

How can teachers provide effective instruction for students with learning disabilities while meeting the needs of all students? The second edition of this accessible text gives K–12 educators research-based answers, straight from two highly respected voices in the field. The first teacher training text to cover all four learning disabilities that require differentiated instruction—dysgraphia, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and oral and written language learning disability (OWL LD)—this book prepares educators to deliver explicit and engaging instruction customized to the needs of their students. Critical insights from diverse fields blend with lessons learned from actual teaching experience, making this an ideal preservice text and a great in-service professional development tool.

Register HERE

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!  Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkis and Kari Yates (Canvas Course)

The current emphasis on the body of research known as the "Science of Reading" has renewed the reading wars and raised challenging questions for balanced literacy teachers about the best way to teach reading. Instead of fueling the debate, Dr. Jan Burkins and Kari Yates have immersed themselves in the research and produced Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom. **BEING AN ONLINE, SELF-PACED COURSE MEANS YOU HAVE UNTIL MAY 19, 2023, FOR ALL ASSIGMNEMTS TO BE COMPLETED TO GET YOUR CPE HOURS. 

Register HERE

Self-Paced May 22-August 4- Summer 2023!!!   Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers by Louisa Cook Moats (Canvas Course)

Filling a critical gap in teacher preparation courses, Speech to Print supplies K-12 educators with in-depth knowledge of the structure and function of language—fundamentals they need to deliver successful structured literacy instruction. Renowned literacy expert Louisa Cook Moats gives current and future teachers comprehensive, accurate, and accessible information on the underpinnings of language instruction, including: • the history of the English language and its effect on spelling • English phonology, including speech sounds and their distinctive features • how print represents speech in English • the morphological aspects of words • syntax and its instruction • how meaning is conveyed with language Through case studies, activities, recommended teaching principles, and close analysis of real-world student work samples, teachers will also receive invaluable insight into how their students should be taught. Ideal for use in preservice courses and in-service professional development sessions, this essential textbook will give educators the strong foundation they need to teach language and reading skills to students with and without disabilities. **BEING AN ONLINE, SELF-PACED COURSE MEANS YOU HAVE UNTIL MAY 19, 2023, FOR ALL ASSIGMNEMTS TO BE COMPLETED TO GET YOUR CPE HOURS. 

Register HERE