September 2022
Hello,
It's hard to believe we are in September and school is moving along! When I first came to the agency in December I sent out a survey to see what type of information or professional learning teachers were wanting. One of the most requested topics was the 90 minute literacy block- what should it look like to meet the needs of all students and specifically be supportive of our struggling readers? Another topic/ question was what curriculum is suggested to align with the KSDE requirement of using a structured literacy model of instruction? We are offering four locations for PD throughout the state to meet your request. Take a look at the "90 Minute Block Party" to begin September 12th- in southwest Kansas and then move across the state! Teachers are encouraged to bring their curriculum and spend a day digging deeper into getting the most from the time they have with K-3 students! See more information below.
Coming this winter will be another option across the state as we provide professional development related to working with students in middle/ secondary grades who are struggling readers. If you have specific questions you would like answered relating to identifying or working with our older students who struggle with reading, please send me an e-mail at ELitDyslexia@ksde.org and we will do our best to address your specific questions and/ or concerns.
Please share the information in this newsletter widely and don't hesitate to reach out with questions. We have lots of opportunities starting soon and registration links are included in this newsletter. We hope to see you online, or in person.
Happy September!
Laurie
Important Question!
How does your curriculum address ALL the components/ elements of structured literacy?
Come find out!
There is still time to register!
Structured Literacy: The 90 Minute Block Party
Sessions led by: Hailey Hawkinson, 2nd Grade Teacher & KSDE Teacher Leader Consultant
Target Audience: K-2/3
Participants will bring along their literacy curriculum and a list of programs/materials available for use in their district. We will be exploring structured literacy elements within your curriculum/materials to highlight "non-negotiables" and gaps within the curriculum.
Register for one of the four locations by selecting the red "Register Here" link.
Hope to see you there!
For more information contact: Laurie Curtis lcurtis@ksde.org
September 26, 2022 Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center (Oakley, KS)
Register Here (Structured Literacy Event)
October 3, 2022 Smoky Hill Education Service Center (Salina, KS)
October 10, 2022 Keystone Learning Center (Ozawkie, KS)
KSDE has registration open for the Great Ideas in Education: The Art of Teaching Conference held in Wichita, October 19-21.
I hope to see many of you there! Find more information and register by going to this link:
KSDE GREAT IDEAS IN EDUCATION CONFERENCE: THE ART OF TEACHING
Structured Literacy Walkthrough Tool
If you are an administrator who missed our earlier Structured Literacy Lunch with Literacy Leaders virtual PD for the Walkthrough Tool- we will be offering it again!
Three weekly sessions from 4:30-5:30 CST on Mondays
September 19, 2022
September 26, 2022
October 3, 2022
To register select this link: Structured Literacy Walkthrough PD for Educational Leaders
You may register for this PD opportunity by selecting the link below:
VIRTUAL
Text-Based Professional Learning Opportunity
Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
With the shift in focus around reading instruction and sometimes loud noise surrounding balanced literacy, it is important to reflect upon current practices. Participating in this text-based professional learning of Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates will give teachers and instructional leaders the opportunity to read, discuss and look at the possibilities of embedding the science of reading into current literacy practices. Buy your text and join us!
Mark Your Calendars!
Sessions will take place via Zoom on Wednesdays in September from 5:00-6:00pm (CST) .
September 14, 2022 - Session 1: Chapters 1 & 2
September 21, 2022 - Session 2: Chapters 3 & 4
September 28, 2022 - Session 3: Chapters 5 & 6
Consider sharing this document with families and others to explain the role of a universal screener. This document was created by the Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC).
Please share widely! Why are Universal Reading Screeners Important
Please Share!
Kansas Alternate Early Literacy Screener Kdg-3rd grade
The Kansas Alternate Early Literacy Screener Kdg-3rd grade is now available. To learn more about this, please sign up to attend a 30 minute webinar provided by KSDE Special Education Conusltant, Cary Rogers. The webinar will be held on September 28th from 3:00 - 3:30 pm CST. You can register for the webinar on the TASN website. Please note that this session will be recorded. The recording will be shared on the ksdetasn.org website and KSDE website.
This screener is intended for students with a most significant cognitive disability who are not testable on the standard screeners districts are using to meet the Kansas Dyslexia Screening Requirements for EOYA reporting. In accordance with the Kansas State Board of Education vote in November 2019, all schools must screen students for dyslexia or characteristics of dyslexia. This screener will provide districts with a performance level to meet the dyslexia reporting requirements for students with the most significant cognitive disability. The screener will also provide educators with valuable information on strengths, needs, and next steps for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade who have a most significant cognitive disability.
Handwriting is important!
Here is information that can support working with left-handed students as they work establishing good handwriting skills.
Helping a Left-Handed Student.
Back by popular demand!
A Fresh Look at Phonics (revisted!)
ALL ARE WELCOME...Free, except BYOB (Bring your own Book!)
What?: This text-based professional learning opportunity is designed to refresh practice and strengthen understanding for phonics instruction. Due to the popularity and feedback form our summer study, we are this opportunity again to come together with others in the state to examine classroom practice and engage in conversation with others!
When?: 6 weeks on Wednesdays after school 5:00-6:00 CST
Dates: October 26, November 2,9,16,30, December 7
How?: Via Zoom- Register HERE
1-3 hours Graduate College Credit is available through Ft. Hays State University
For additional reading see this ILA Literacy Leadership Brief: Meeting the Challenges of Early Literacy Phonics Instruction by Wiley Blevins
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai