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Hello!
Happy November! Parent-teacher conferences are behind you and Halloween is over...time to embrace some routines and good opportunities for great learning as we prepare for the next holiday. There are several things to share below- some exciting opportunites for professional learning that will be done in collaboration with service centers across the state that are FREE for you to attend, offer college credit and provide a full day of professional learning...lunch included. I hope you will be able to take advantage of them! They will be offered for multiple content areas...so be watching for more dates are released!
Please share this newsletter widely and let me know if you have questions or need additional support. If you know of someone who wants to sign up to get this newsletter automatically , they can do that by emailing a request to ELitDyslexia@ksde.org.
Yours in education
Laurie
Dr. Laurie Curtis
KSDE Early Literacy/ Dyslexia Program Manager
Important Updates from KSDE
The KSDE Conference Moves to the Summer!
Mark your calendars for July 27-30th at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita! We will be moving the KSDE Annual Conference to the summer and strongly encourage systems to send district leadership teams for collaboration opportunities regarding the four fundmentals...which includes structured literacy! Consider blocking this time if you are a literacy leader or LETRS facilator for your district! Please stay tuned for more information and exciting information coming as details are finalized.
Future Dates have already been set for 2026 and 2027!
July 26-29, 2026
July 25-28, 2027
Kansas Assessment Program’s ELA Text-to-Speech Guidelines
Kansas Assessment Program’s ELA Text-to-Speech Guidelines
You may have heard that there are changes in the KAP's guidelines for students that have access to text-to-speech when taking the Kansas ELA state assessment. Those changes were made in response to the advice of the national technical advisors that provide guidance for appropriate accommodations needed for ELA assessments. The text to speech option is being removed from grades 3-5 where there are standards that are related to decoding skills (grades 3-5) that couldn't be assessed if the text is being read to the student. Using TTS in that instance would invalidate the construct of the test, as the assessment would then be for listening comprehension, rather than an assessment of the standards related to decoding the text. Beyond grade 5 there will be an opportunity to apply for the TTS option. The option will remain for subjects other than ELA (math and science).
For more information see: Kansas Assessment Program Text-to-Speech Guidellines
Kansas Seal of Literacy Information
While initially there were FAQ documents that were provided to help answer questions and provide clarity for the Kansas Seal of Literacy, KSDE Licensure now has a linked page to answer questions you may have about the Kansas Seal of Literacy. The page can be found at the link below.
Science Of Reading Licensure Requirements (ksde.org)
There are some who are wondering why this has been initiated and how it might be a benefit for you and your district. I will provide a few thoughts below, but check out the web link to get details and answers to other questions you may have.
How do we know who in our state has already been trained in structured literacy? That is a question that continues to be asked by legislators, district leaders, and others. Districts know who they might have trained, but when teachers move to other districts- or within their district, sometimes that information is lost. A logical place for that to reside is on a license where it can move with the teacher. All the training programs that we have approved (LETRS, Keys to Literacy, and AIM Pathway to Proficient Reading) have been accredited by the International Dyslexia Association. The testing options have been identified as being strong measures of alignment with the science of reading. This seal will also be helpful for administrators placing teachers in positions that require a strong knowledge of practice aligned with the science of reading.
Why not all teachers...why those specific educators requiring the Seal for license renewal? Those individuals who are required are the ones that are most likely to be responsible for provision of foundational reading instruction (Elementary Teachers), reviewing data to manage reading instruction (Reading Specialists) , supervising educators who provide foundational reading instruction (Administrators), those who provide comprehensive evaluations for students who may be at risk for reading failure in order to determine what level of differentiated instruction may be needed (School Psychologists), and those who provide the highest level of assistance (SPED Teachers).
We recognize that there are those who may have an elementary license who are not providing any reading instruction/ evaluation yet working in a school in other roles (computer aide, etc.). Many schools recognize that the greater the level of training ALL teachers have, the greater the benefit for students- and they are encouraging all teachers to receive the training. Any teacher who is licensed who meets the standard, whether or not they are listed as a required role, can receive the Kansas Seal of Literacy on their license.
What about that new #7002 test? That test, which practicing educators may be reimbursed for as an option for the Seal of Literacy, is the same test that preservice teachers will be taking as they exit teacher preparation courses. It is the new foundational praxis exam that is aligned with the science of reading and is not a graduate level exam. All testing options have been vetted by outside researchers and are determined to be strong measures of practice aligned with the science of reading.
Additional information about all options and requirements can be found at the link below.
Tracking Dyslexia Modules with New Staff (deadline of March 1, 2025)
KSDE requires any educator new to teaching or new to teaching in Kansas to receive the Initial Dyslexia Modules Training. This training is designed to be facilitated by an individual who can provide the information, assist in answering questions and monitor completion of the training through use of the slides, videos and the facilitator guide. The facilitator can verify who attended and completed this training for reporting to KSDE. We would encourage teachers to enter the training into the district’s professional learning platform where a transcript could be produced. If your district doesn’t have a professional learning platform that allows for a transcript to be produced, districts can request teachers print the post-test and sign and date it for verification of completed training.
As you verify this training, evidence might include:
Professional Development Plan transcript (e.g. My Learning Plan, PDP Toolbox, etc.)
Copy of the Post-Test with name and date of completion
Email from their former supervisor indicating completion of the training
To find out more information about the KSDE Required Dyslexia Modules, you can visit the KSDE Website Dyslexia page, Initial Modules.
As a reminder, other teachers are required to receive annual training in structured literacy and those requirements can be found HERE.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSESSMENTS
INTERIM EXAMS and MINI-Tests
Are you wondering how your students are doing against standards? You may have taken the Fall Interim exam. If you missed it, there will be a spring opportunity as well!
To take the interim exams, contact your district testing coordinator!
You do not “build or copy a test” for the interim exams – the interim is the same test for students across Kansas.
If the test has been assigned to your students they will see the option to take the interim test once they log into the Kite Student Portal.
The interim ELA assessments are available for 5th grade and 8th grade.
For more information, please see the link below!
LINK TO INTERIM ADMINISTRATORS MANUAL
MINI-TESTS
The mini-test items are available when you click “build or copy a test” on Kite. These items are available all year (more items will be added throughout the year). These tests can be selected and assigned by the classroom teacher, can be used throughout the year, and have flexibility in use because the questions can be talked about, collaborated on, and students can be re-assigned mini-tests for retakes if you want.
Before you can assign mini-tests you will still need to check with your testing coordinator that students have been registered with KIDS: TASC Record but once students have been registered the mini-tests can be managed by the classroom teacher.
For mini-tests: Educator portal is used to select or build a test, assign a test to students, and view reports after testing.
Reach out to KAP for support:
Phone 855-277-9752
Email: kap-support@ku.edu
Information for Promising Practice
Developmental Language Disorder: Learning with Dr. Tiffany Hogan
We were fortunate to have Dr. Tiffany Hogan and a panel of Kansas educators share questions submitted by Kansas teachers for a virtual discussion about Developmental Language Disorder. Those notes and insights gained as well as additional resources and information can be found at ths link entitled: October 8, 2024 Kansas Panel Discussion with Dr. Tiffany Hogan on DLD
Top Ten Ways to Improve Tier 1 Instruction
With the move to structured literacy, instructional shifts must follow. Below you will find some of those noted in these ways to improve Tier 1/ Core instruction.
Be clear and explicit in your instruction.
Increase Engagement of students by planning multiple opportunities to respond.
Sequence Skills in a meaningful way assuring students have prerequisite skills.
Practice to Automaticity, teaching it does not mean they have mastered it.
Think Speech to Print, valuing strong oral language and phonology.
Provide Cumulative Review, to connect new information to known information.
Integrate the "big five" as you utilize a structured approach to teaching.
Manage transitions well to reduce the loss of instructional time.
Provide immediate corrective feedback for clarity and accuracy in practice.
Use assessment data in meaningful ways to inform your instruction.
For original infographic: see Top Ten Ways to Improve Tier 1 Instruction
(Used with permission from Stephanie Stollar Consulting, LLC)
Are you wanting to become more knowledgeable about using decodable texts with your students? This is one of the best documents I've found to provide clear and specific guidance for choosing and using decodables. Read and share this helpful document, authored by Dr. Maria Murray, which provides ten tips for using decodable texts- and using them well!
Maria Murrays 10 Tips for Using Decodable Texts - The Reading League
A lot of information has been written on 3-cueing and why it should not be a part of our reading methdology as we work with our students who are learning to read. While I have provided several articles and resources related to this, I wanted to include one more as I feel it brings additional clarity to the research and the impact it can have not only on practice- but policy as well.
See Dr. Timothy Shanahan's recent blog "Three Cueing and the Law" which can be found at this LINK
Professional Learning Opportunities
FREE Professional Learning to Support School Improvement
FREE Professional Learning to Support School Improvement
Coming to a location near you!
FREE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING TO SUPPORT SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT!
Our KSDE ELA and Early Literacy/ Dyslexia Team and other content area teams are very happy to be working on a state-wide collaborative effort with our Kansas Educational Service Center partners to provide ongoing professional learning in support of the new KSDE School Improvement Model.
Below are the dates for our first sessions for both Structured Literacy and English Language Arts. Registration links are included, so jump in to register as space is limited! Additional dates will be announced soon as we schedule throughout this school year, this summer and next fall!
Structured Literacy:
The What, The How, the time is NOW!
December 9th Southwest Plains (Sublette)
December 17th Smoky Hill (Salina)
January 13th Greenbush (Girard)
January 20th Greenbush (Lawrence)
January 23rd ESSDACK (Hutchinson)
January 24th Orion (Clearwater)
For more information and to register, see this link:
Structured Literacy: The What and How…the Time is NOW!
English Language Arts:
Text Complexity is the New Black (audience Grade 3-12 teachers)
December 11th Southwest Plains (Sublette)
December 12th Greenbush (Lawrence)
January 9th Orion (Clearwater)
January 17th ESSDACK (Hutchinson)
January 23rd Smoky Hill (Salina)
January 27th Greenbush (Girard)
For more information and to register, see this link:
Cox Campus provides free, online access to research-based professional development for teachers of children from birth to eight years of age. The interactive video-based coursework is focused on practical strategies teachers can use to promote young children’s language and literacy. All courses are anchored in the science of reading and provide evidence-based practices. They also offer a wealth of resources including interactive reading guides, research proven instructional strategies, lesson planning materials, instructional coaching materials and so much more.
Amazingly, this wonderful platform is completely free! Visit https://coxcampus.org/ to sign up.
The AIM Institute is starting a new free facilitator forum titled, Learn, Chat, Apply! Feel free to check it out here as well as share the link with any individuals that you think may benefit from the free opportunity to learn about. Topics coming up include Secondary Literacy, English Learners, Early Childhood and Writing.
Reasons to Celebrate!
Well done USD 259, Wichita Public Schools!
Wichita Public Schools held a Literacy Summit on Thursday, November 14th to highlight the great work they are doing to provide literacy learning opportunities for students both in their schools and with partners throughout their community. Panel discussions with district experts, data walks, dysleixa simulations and opportunities to visit with school and organizational leaders provided a wonderful chance to learn about ways they are working to provide strong literacy learning for all students! Literacy changes lives!
Please share what you are doing too! If you are aligning your practice with the science of reading and you want to share those amazing evidence-based practices with others, please let me know so we can share the great ideas here! I want to honor and celebrate great things happening in our Kansas classrooms related to literacy learning!
Literacy Lifeline Questions/ Answers
Literacy Lifeline is up and running!
If you have a question about literacy professional practice, or anything else related to improving student literacy learning - the KSDE Early Literacy/ Dyslexia team is here to help! You can ask a question using the linked form below and request it be answered via a Zoom virtual conference/ consulting session, an email, or suggest it as a possible article in this newsletter.
“Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and allows you to focus on the good in your life, which in turn pulls more goodness into your reality.” — Jen Sincero
Happy Thanksgiving!
If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, please ask them to contact me at ELitDyslexia@ksde.org to request being added to the Early Literacy/ Dyslexia listserv, or visit the KSDE Dyslexia page and select the purple HERE button and select Newsletter to see the current and past issues.
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