Whew - what a spring we are having! A huge conference, the launch of new applications for technical assistance, several Special Topics webinars (see the last section of this newsletter), continued support of our districts, planning for end of year meetings with leadership teams, and thinking ahead to next year.

Read on for more details!

The ORTIi Team

Ryan, Lisa, Sharyn, Carrie, Rachell, Beth and Matt

Want Support with Your MTSS for Elementary Literacy?

Applications are now being accepted for Targeted Technical Assistance from ORTIi for SY 2024-2025

For more information about support from the Oregon Response to Instruction and Intervention Project, click here to find a video that describes what Targeted Technical Assistance is and how your district can apply. Then contact us to find out about the next steps.

*Note that we can only support Oregon school districts, although everyone has access to the materials on our website.

Annual Conference Recap

Thanks to everyone who attended the Annual Conference in Eugene. It was an amazing gathering of over 800 educators who are truly passionate about literacy and MTSS. We heard inspiring keynotes from Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan and Carmen Urbina, celebrated a birthday endnote with Dr. Anita Archer, and learned from over 75 local and national experts who shared their knowledge about literacy, systems, and social, emotional and behavioral support. It was so wonderful to have that much energy in one place and to meet in person again after a very long break.

Thank you also to Stephanie Stollar for organizing the world-wide collection of birthday postcards for Dr. Archer's 77th birthday. It was a VERY BIG BOX of cards. Thank you to everyone who sent one or created one at the conference.

The Science of Reading and Multilingual Learners

(Audience: All)

Looking for information about how the Science of Reading informs best practices for multilingual learners. Check out The Reading League Compass' English Learners / Emergent Bilinguals and the Science of Reading resources here. This page is also available in Spanish here.

Podcast Highlights

(Audience: ALL)

We continue to learn and grow in our understanding of the tools and resources available to better support our students in their quest to become strong readers, writers, and mathematicians. Here are a few of our favorites from this month. 

Amplify: The Science of Reading Podcast: Cognitive load theory: Four items at a time

Greg Ashman, an accomplished author, deputy principal, and professor, shares his understanding of cognitive load theory and its relevance to effective teaching in the classroom. He delves into key aspects of cognitive load theory, such as working memory and long-term memory, intrinsic and extraneous load, and the distinction between biologically primary and secondary knowledge. Ashman shares practical insights on how educators can apply these concepts to optimize learning experiences for students. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of evidence-based teaching practices, offering valuable advice to listeners on ensuring the effectiveness of their instructional methods.

Click here to listen: Session 8 Episode 11

Dyslexia Uncovered: Learning Together: From Research to Community: Launching Dyslexia Uncovered

In this introductory episode of "Dyslexia Uncovered" Dr. Tim Odegard, shares his journey as a researcher, clinician, and parent in the field of dyslexia. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between research and the community by making scientific insights accessible to all. Dr. Odegard’s dedication to translating complex information into understandable discourse sets the tone for an enlightening podcasting experience.

Click here to listen: Episode 1

Triple R Teaching: All about literacy centers - with Christina Winter

In this episode Anna Geiger and Christina Winter share their beliefs about the importance of meeting with small groups in a structured literacy classroom, acknowledging that students typically have varying skill levels. They highlight the necessity of selecting appropriate literacy centers for students to engage in independently while small group instruction takes place. Christina Winter provides guidance on choosing suitable literacy centers, teaching students to work autonomously, and managing this time effectively within the school day.

Click here to listen: Episode 160

The Direct Instruction Podcast

This podcast about Sigfried Engelmann, Project Follow Through, and Direct Instruction (DI) is hosted by Dr. Zach Groshell. If you have ever used Reading Mastery, Corrective Reading, Corrective Math or used "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" for your own children, this is an interesting podcast. It is also a bit heartbreaking because adults who "didn't like" scripted programs stopped using programs that had solid evidence that they worked for nearly ALL children. This is essential listening for everyone!

Click here to find the series: What is Direct Instruction



The Reading League Oregon

UPDATES

An enthusiastic group of Oregon literacy champions met virtually at a Chapter Awareness Meeting this week. It was an informative summary of The Science of Reading and what The Reading League is all about from Andrea Setmeyer, The National Chapter Director. We also introduced the initial Board of Directors who are doing the work to get the chapter started, reported on where we are in the 501(c)(3) process, and we asked for suggestions for events (add your own suggestions here). We have no upcoming meetings scheduled yet, but please keep your eyes out for an email regarding membership coming soon.

If you have not had a chance to sign up to receive updates about Oregon Chapter (in formation) of The Reading League, add your name to the list here.

If you were unable to attend Monday's meeting or if you missed the beginning due to broken links, you can view the recording here.

Photo: The initial Board of Directors met with interested educators at the ORTIi Annual Conference and handed out tons of The Reading League swag!

ORTIi Resources

Unlock the power of inclusive education with our NEW Special topics modules!

Meaningful Inclusion of All Learners in an MTSS Framework: It Begins with Access

Discover the foundation of meaningful inclusion in an MTSS framework. Learn how to ensure every learner has the access to Accessible Educational Materials they need to thrive.

Click here to Watch

AEM for Inclusion: Consideration & Documentation of AEM in the IEP

Learn about ways IEP team decisions can be recorded in meaningful ways so that everyone on a student’s educational team understands the plan for Accessible Educational Materials.

Click here to Watch

Considerations for Literacy IEP Goals in an RTI System

Dive into the intricacies of literacy-focused IEP goals within the RTI framework. Gain insights to tailor interventions for every learner's success.

Click here to Watch   

MTSS Components

Does your PD plan include staff training on the components of MTSS? Do you have new staff who are unfamiliar with MTSS? We've got you covered!

Click here for the module page

If you are looking for specific meeting agendas or other resources that go along with the MTSS components, you can find them here.

ORTIi's

Professional Learning Resources

What do your current students need you to learn more about? Check out our library of content from from experts in the field of literacy instruction. View with your grade level team or as a school and discuss how the presentation relates to your school, your students and your practice.

Find the videos at the Professional Learning Tabs on our website.

The Science of Reading

Have you been asked to present some introductory information to your staff about the Science of Reading and don't know where to start? We created some slide decks you can use to start to build understanding about what science tells us about how we learn to read and how that science informs what and how we should teach reading and writing. These are not videos, so you will need to lead the sessions yourself and can customize them for your setting, but everything you need to get started is here. The topics include:

• What is the Science of Reading Anyway?
• Word Recognition
• Language Comprehension
• Explicit and Systematic Instruction
• Reading Assessment

Click here to find the Science of Reading PL Materials