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Hello,
The leaves are starting to change and school has been in session for several weeks...and I hope that you are off to a great start for the school year. We have had funding restored for the free professional development that we are providing in partnership with our service centers, and we hope you can come- receive a full day of great PD, half a free graduate credit and enjoy networking with other educators! The schedule is below.
Below you will also find a new handbook for families to provide information on developmental language disorder and a great resource provided by the Language and Reading Research Consortium for students pre-K to 3rd grade to increase language skills to assist in reading comprehension. The research is shared below, and the curriculum is free and included. If you feel your students are needing additional language support, you might find it helpful!
Please share this newsletter widely and let me know if you have questions or need additional support. If you know of someone who would like to receive this newsletter each month, please let them know they can do that by emailing a request to ELitDyslexia@ksde.gov.
Yours in education
Laurie
Dr. Laurie Curtis
KSDE Early Literacy/ Dyslexia Program Manager
Important Updates from KSDE
Dyslexia Screening for Students Qualifying for the DLM (Dynamic Learning Maps)
It is important that we give all students the opportunity to share with us what they know related to the acquisition of literacy skills and abilitities. Students in kindergarten through third grade with a most significant cognitive disability, who are unable to complete the regular district literacy universal screener (FastBridge, AIMsWeb, DIBELS, etc.) should be assessed using the Kansas Alternate Early Literacy Screener. The screening results need to be entered on the district EOYA report in the spring. For the 8th grade comprehension requirement for EOYA, districts should use the results from the spring DLM testlet for EE.RI.8.5 that is required for all 8th graders. More detail is provided on the last page of the Kansas Alternate Early Literacy Screener document linked above. Those students in grades four through high school with a most significant cognitive disability will participate in the fall and winter test windows for the Dynamic Learning Maps alternate state assessment. Since the DLM is instructionally embedded it can serve as the district assessment. Teachers can see the results after each testlet and evaluate results to guide further instruction No extra screening is required for those students.
Concerns regarding Lexia's new assessment upgrades for LETRS
There have been concerns raised from Kansas educators to our KSDE/ TASN LETRS initiative team regarding changes which were made recently (over the last several months) to the LETRS summative assessment. Below is some information related to those concerns.
Why were changes made?
These changes were made not only in Kansas, but nationwide, due to concerns with individuals and social media platforms sharing answers which compromised the test security of the assessment. This sharing of answers caused some, including educators, policy makers and state legislators, to devalue the strong professional learning of the course. Requests were made of Lexia to respond to these concerns.
What changes were made?
Changes have been made, and updates have been provided over the last several months, with the largest being completed in the last 6-8 weeks. Those changes included:
· Only one question per page presented
· Three possibilities developed for every item that are similar in scope and difficulty and measure the same objectives- so educators may or may not see the same items as another educator.
· Items are randomized, so they will not be in the same order on every form
What stayed the same?
· This assessment is not timed, and participants can take all the time needed to complete the assessment
· The assessment is open book, so educators can use the manual to assist them in completing the assessment.
· We have been assured by Lexia that these new items were not developed using AI
What can you do if you feel your assessment was not graded accurately?
If a participant believes a question was scored incorrectly, or the item does not match what is taught in the units or sessions, they should send an email to Lexia support: support@lexialearning.com, preferably with screenshots, so Lexia can review it on a case-by-case basis.
It has always been important that all LETRS participants fully engage in all four parts of LETRS training (reading the manual, doing the online modules, engaging in the days of facilitated training for each unit, and the Bridge to Practice), helping build a strong instructional foundation for educators, as well as all students. Thank you for engaging in this important work. We will continue to be in conversation with Lexia and share additional information as it is provided.
What if I don't meet the mastery level for Volume 1 Post-test...should I stay in LETRS training for Volume 2?
At the current time, if you do not pass the Volume 1 post-test then the Seal of Literacy would not be gained with LETRS training. However, your license has been acquired for both volumes, so you have access to both Volumes. Completing both volumes will best prepare you for any other option to gain the seal, such as taking one of the exams. Upon completion of both volumes, you would still be able to note that you have been fully LETRS trained and the professional learning that you would receive alongside your colleagues will bring coherence to the instruction that students in your system receive.
If you want to remain connected to all the information coming out/ available from KSDE, you are welcome and invited to sign up for KSDE Weekly. This electronic publication comes out on Thursday afternoon each week to provide school leaders/ educators insight into lots of information that is relevant to Kansas education and those teaching in Kansas!
You can sign up at the link below:
Question?
If I received the Seal of Literacy by taking the Praxis exam in college, do I need to take LETRS training?
The 7002 Praxis Exam, recently approved to be used by teacher preparation institutions in Kansas, is one of the pathways for the Seal of Literacy- as is LETRS and several other exams and professional learning courses KSDE has approved. The Seal of Literacy is an acknowledgement that there has been a level of assessment in structured literacy for those who work with students who are learning how to read/write or providing interventions for those who may struggle to do so.
If you graduate from an institution that now provides the 7002 Praxis exam, which if passed- provides you with the Seal of Literacy, you will have the Seal of Literacy on your license. However, many systems want to have their educators share in the deep professional learning that LETRS or other training provides that gives educators a shared language of instruction and in the example of LETRS, a cohort of educators sharing in continual professional learning over time. All schools in Kansas are also required to have annual training in structured literacy- we all know there is more we can learn! Engaging with professional learning over several months using your curriculum...and with your colleagues, provides a different experience than taking a test. So, even if you have the Seal of Literacy, your system may choose to have all faculty, or specific faculty, LETRS trained- or trained using one of the other approved professional learning courses, to bring deeper instructional coherence to your system.
Bottom line is...only one option is needed for the Seal of Literacy, but a deeper dive into structured literacy professional learning will serve to build confidence and knowledge of educators and administrators leading to better outcomes for students.
Information for Promising Practice
Language and Reading
Language and Reading
Research Consortium (LARRC)
Research Consortium (LARRC)
LARRC conducted a five-year study designed to substantially increase our understanding of language- and reading-comprehension development for children ages 4-8 years old (pre-kindergarten to grade 3). In total, 1,200 children in four states were followed longitudinally over five years.
As part of the study, the LARRC team developed a 25-week curriculum supplement for children in grades pre-kindergarten to third grade designed to improve children’s language skills as a means to improving their reading comprehension: Let’s Know! (Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3, English language) and Vamos a Aprender! (Pre-Kindergarten only, Bilingual Spanish-English). These supplements are available to download for free.
Institutions that were partners in the research to develop this curriculum include:
Ohio State University
Arizona State University
Lancaster University
University of Kansas
Florida State University
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions
The curriculum can be found HERE: Building Language to Improve Comprehension
Professional Learning Opportunities
NEW Professional Learning Opportunity for Instructional Coaches
We will soon be starting a series of professional learning sessions for the KSDE Literacy Leadership Cadre and would also like to invite instructional coaches to benefit from this multi-week study on Tuesdays aimed at utilizing your curriculum using what was learned in LETRS! Stay tuned to KSDE Weekly and our listervs to learn more and register for this PD!
Time to Register!
Our pause on funding for our collaborative professional learning session with our service center partners has been lifted and the opportunity restored. This FREE PD includes a day of professional learning for educators which includes a half-unit of graduate credit (and lunch). Professional learning will occur in multiple locations between September and the end of January for this planned PD. There needs to be a minimum of ten participants for the sessions to be held. Below you will see the offerings specific to structured literacy- but many of the ELA sessions are also based on the principles and elements of structured literacy. For ALL offerings, including the ELA options. see THIS LINK.
Sessions specific to the ELitDyslexia Team for Structured Literacy are listed below along with registration links.
Data-Driven Success: Unpacking LIteracy Assessments for Maximum Impact
Join us for an interactive session where educators dive into a variety of literacy assessments, exploring how each provides valuable insights into student growth. Using guidance from KSDE, we’ll examine effective models for reviewing and responding to assessment data, turning information into action to drive success in the classroom. Learn practical strategies to make data meaningful and maximize the impact on structured literacy outcomes!
Dates, Location and Registration:
September 17, 2025 Smoky Hill (Salina) Register HERE
Cracking the Code: Practical Strategies for Teaching Word Recognition
Join us for an engaging professional development session designed for educators seeking to enhance their instructional practices in word recognition. This session will equip participants with evidence-based strategies for assessing and teaching essential components of reading, including phonological awareness, decoding, and sight words. Educators will learn and practice effective assessment techniques to identify students' needs, along with proven instructional methods to foster skill development in these critical areas. Participants will leave with a toolkit of resources, activities, and practical applications to improve literacy outcomes in their classrooms.
Dates, Location and Registration:
September 17, 2025 Orion (Clearwater) Register HERE
September 23, 2025 ESSDACK (Hutchinson) Register HERE
September 29, 2025 Southwest Plains(Sublette) Register HERE
October 28, 2025 Greenbush (Lawrence Register HERE
Empowering Educators: Effective Strategies for Differentiated Phonics Instruction
In this interactive professional learning session, educators will explore proven strategies to differentiate phonics instruction effectively, meeting students at their individual levels and fostering a supportive learning environment. Through examples, hands-on activities, and collaborative discussions, attendees will leave with a toolkit of adaptable strategies, designed to support diverse learning needs. Join us to transform your approach to phonics and make small group instruction more impactful and manageable.
Dates, Location and Registration:
October 8, 2025 Orion (Clearwater) Register HERE
October 14, 2025 ESSDACK (Hutchinson) Register HERE
October 20, 2025 Southwest Plains (Sublette) Register HERE
October 29, 2025 Greenbush (Girard) Register HERE
November 6, 2025 Smoky Hill (Salina) Register HERE
December 17, 2025 Greenbush (Lawrence) Register HERE
Fluency Matters: Enhancing Educator Expertise in Instruction and Assessment
Join us for an engaging workshop focused on enhancing your expertise in fluency instruction and assessment! Participants will explore evidence-based practices for assessing fluency, share successful teaching methods, and collaborate with peers to develop actionable plans for the classroom. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, this workshop will deepen your understanding and empower you to support your students’ fluency development. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your instructional skills and make a lasting impact on your students’ literacy journeys!
Dates, Location and Registration:
October 15, 2025 Orion (Clearwater) Register HERE
October 24, 2025 Southwest Plains (Sublette) Register HERE
November 3, 2025 ESSDACK (Hutchinson) Register HERE
December 9, 2025 Smoky Hill (Salina) Register HERE
December 10, 2025 Greenbush (Girard) Register HERE
January 6, 2026 Greenbush (Lawrence) Register HERE
Word Power: Proven Routines to Strengthen Vocabulary Schoolwide
Unlock the secrets to building a robust vocabulary across your entire school! In this hands-on session, educators will explore evidence-based routines designed to expand students’ word knowledge for students in grades K-5. From daily practices to schoolwide strategies, you'll walk away with practical tools to integrate vocabulary-building activities into your classroom culture—empowering students with the words they need to succeed!
Dates, Location and Registration:
November 14, 2025 Southwest Plains (Sublette) Register HERE
November 18, 2025 Orion (Clearwater) Register HERE
November 18, 2025 ESSDACK (Hutchinson) Register HERE
January 9, 2025 Greenbush (Girard) Register HERE
January 13, 2026 Greenbush (Lawrence) Register HERE
January 27, 2026 Smoky Hill (Salina) Register HERE
Understanding and Addressing Developmental Language Disorder (DLD): Prevalence and Effective Instructional Strategies for Educators
This session will provide educators with a comprehensive understanding of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), which affects language acquisition in approximately 7% of children in grades PreK-12. Participants will learn about the prevalence and impact of DLD on academic and social development, along with the importance of early identification. The session will explore practical, research-based instructional strategies designed to support students with DLD in the classroom, promote language development and reading comprehension, and foster language-enriched learning environments.
Dates, Location and Registration:
November 21, 2025 Smoky Hill (Salina) Register HERE
December 9, 2025 Orion (Clearwater) Register HERE
December 12, 2025 Southwest Plains (Sublette) Register HERE
January 16, 2026 Greenbush (Lawrence) Register HERE
January 20, 2026 Greenbush (Girard) Register HERE
January 20, 2026 ESSDACK (Hutchinson) Register HERE
Tim Shanahan’s newest book, Leveled Readers, Leveled Lives, is arriving in mailboxes this first week of September and has already debuted as Amazon’s #1 New Release in Reading and Phonics Materials. Throughout the book, Shanahan makes a powerful case for the importance of grade-level reading to maximize student growth. Drawing on research and classroom evidence, he guides educators through teaching challenging texts—from prereading to fluency and comprehension—and closes with practical strategies for scaffolding and supporting all learners.
With the launch of his new book, our KSDE Structured Literacy and ELA teams will be offering a text-based learning opportunity starting in January of 2026. Plan on signing up for our weekly sessions as we discuss and navigate the chapters together. Watch for our registration coming soon!
Kansas/ Missouri IDA Conference
September 26-27, 2025
Pittsburg State University
L.E.A.D
Literacy, Equity, Advocacy for Dyslexia
International Dyslexia Association of Kansas/ Missouri State Conference Information
English Learner Support
Empowering Multilingual Learners with Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan
This podcast discusses the challenges and opportunities when teaching reading to multilingual learners. The guest on this podcast, Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan, is a bilingual speech language pathologist and certified academic language therapist in Brownsville, Texas. She provides ways to honor a child's first language and suggests how educators can increase their understanding of the orthographic and phonological differences and similarities between languages in order to make connections for students learning to read in English.
Use the link below to access the Amplify Science of Reading Podcast, Season 4, Episode 8 HERE
Reasons to Celebrate!
Tune in to the Kansas Board of Education's monthly meeting for the Reading Corner!
Each Tuesday of the board meeting (the 2nd week of the month), usually around 1:30pm, we highlight great things that are happening around the state of Kansas to share bright spots of literacy excellence! Agendas for the meetings can be found at this link. You can also listen in to the live streamed recording of the proceedings-or you can follow on the KSDE Live Media YouTube channel HERE. We have been honored since June to have educators and students share their experiences...Hayden Hoskins shared about an incredible teacher, Mrs. Morgenstern, an educator from DeSoto, who made a difference in his life; We heard about the incredible summer program that is provided in Goddard, USD 265; and how educators in USD 259, Wichita get students in kindergarten off to a strong start with intentional instruction of early literacy lessons. This month of September, we heard from reading specialist, Sarah Newton, USD 336 in Holton who shared two success stories of middle/high students! Tune in to be inspired and learn from others!
As you have those who complete LETRS training in your system- please send photos so we can celebrate with you!
Literacy Lifeline Questions/ Answers
Literacy Lifeline is up and available to answer your questions!
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.
Tiny little steps every day ...add up to promise.
If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, please ask them to contact me at ELitDyslexia@ksde.gov 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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