Level Up with Literacy
2023-2024 Issue 1
"The Role of Leadership" Article by Gina Davenport
When her equity initiatives stalled, one principal found a path forward. Gina Davenport, Principal at Maryland's Arundel High School found the behavioral strategies of adaptive leadership invaluable when implementing equity strategies at her school. Read about the 6 leadership behaviors Gina introduced to improve how her school looked at Equity. Read the full article HERE.
"The Journey Ahead with Read Ohio" Ohio and the Science of Reading
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the ReadOhio initiative, a statewide effort to encourage improved literacy skills for all ages, including the implementation of curriculum aligned with the science of reading in K-12 schools. The science of reading refers to research that has been conducted for decades by scientists and literacy experts that shows there is an actual science behind learning to read and that certain skills need to be taught, including phonics. A Science of Reading Toolkit, Read Ohio Implementation Timeline, as well as tips for Superintendents, Principals, Educators and families can be found HERE.
Resources and Support for Your Journey
Literacy Courses Available from Ohio Literacy Academy
Literacy Academy On Demand offers short, easily-accessible courses on literacy for grades K-12. Each course is centered around a brief video of an expert in literacy instruction, along with resources, reflection questions and articles. These courses should take 30-60 minutes to complete. The goal of each course is to provide teachers, coaches and administrators with quick overviews of topics, along with tangible steps that they can take in their classrooms, coaching sessions or team meetings to improve literacy instruction.
Third Grade Reading Guarantee
House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly included several legislative changes to the Third Grade Reading Guarantee beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. Information about the most significant changes to promotion score, parent request exemption, parent notification requirements, RIMP requirements as well as answers to FAQ are available HERE.
High Dosage Tutoring
Districts and schools should consider quality elements of high-dosage tutoring when designing tutoring experiences for students. High-dosage tutoring is an effective tool to accelerate learning for all learners. Below is a list of tutoring initiatives in Ohio to support districts and schools in offering and implementing high-dosage tutoring.
New Changes to Ohio's Dyslexia Support Laws
October was Dyslexia Awareness Month and a time to raise awareness about dyslexia and increase knowledge and understanding about the characteristics of dyslexia. House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly included several important updates to Ohio’s dyslexia support laws. See the Departments Dyslexia Supports page for all details and changes.
Meet our Literacy Consultants
Nicholas Jacobs, M.Ed.
Nick brings over 15 years of experience and serves as the State Support Team Region 1 Adolescent Literacy/Urban Literacy Specialist. You can contact Nick by phone 800-346-8495 ext. 136 or by e-mail.
Nick is presenting a series called Adolescent Literacy Across the Content Areas: Creating a Culture of Literacy Instruction in All Classrooms. If you did not attend session 1 but are interested in attending the remaining sessions you can download the flyer to register. The next session of the series is on December 8th and the topic will be What Does Discourse Across the Content Area Look Like?
Deborah Nagel, M.A.
Debbie brings over 28 years of experience and has been with the State Support Team Region 1 as a Regional Early Literacy Specialist for 4 1/2 years. You can contact Debbie by phone 800-346-8495 ext 135 or by
Debbie facilitates the Literacy Leaders Network which is a collaborative network where district leaders work along with State Support Team 1 to discuss timely literacy topics. A list of topics and registration information can be found on our website by clicking the title above. The next virtual session is November 16th.
Debbie is also facilitating a virtual series on Writing a Reading Achievement Plan for districts and community schools that are required to submit a plan this year.
If you like our Level Up with Literacy Newsletter, you will like our eBrief
eBRIEF! is the primary source for the latest news and information from State Support Team 1. The monthly digital publication is designed to provide you with relevant education resources, timely news and announcements, and upcoming professional learning opportunities. If you aren't currently getting eBrief and would like to, you can sign up HERE.
Lynn McKahan, Director
This document/product/software was supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, (Award H027A210111 CFDA 84.027A, awarded to the Ohio Department of Education). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, and no official endorsement by the Department should be inferred.