Reading/Literacy

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Contact Information For Our Reading/Literacy Coordinators

Lauren Catherwood-Ginn (540) 831-6847

Ginni Bussey (540) 831-6848

Katie Ginn (540) 831-5357

Shahida Persad (540) 831-7601

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LITERACY INSTRUCTION

The Virginia Department of Education’s Training and Technical Assistance Center at Radford University maintains personnel who provide consultation to teachers, principals, and school divisions in areas of literacy instruction for students with disabilities and students who struggle in reading. Additionally, staff members are qualified to assist a division or school who may need support in implementing evidence-based literacy instruction in alignment with the Virginia Literacy Act. TTAC literacy coordinators offer professional learning around Specially Designed Instruction and the intensification of instruction for students with disabilities.

Helpful Links:

Virginia Literacy Act overview

Value Professional Development Series for EBLI

EBLI Aligned Instruction Resources

NCII Guide to Intensifying Literacy Instruction

GMU TTAC HLP  Literacy Crosswalk

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DYSLEXIA AND SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY

TTAC Coordinators at Radford University support division Dyslexia Advisors from Superintendents Region 6. This support includes communities of practice around evidenced-based literacy instruction, assessment, assistive technology, and DA role development.

Virginia’s Department of Education currently offers an annual, application-based opportunity for educators to receive training in a multi-sensory approach to literacy instruction. Teachers throughout the state of Virginia may apply and priority is given to special educators and reading specialists working with students with disabilities. Selected educators take a week-long (30-hour) Orton Gillingham course with an Orton Academy Fellow and receive follow-up coaching support from regional TTAC Coordinators. Announcements and applications for this opportunity are typically available in late spring via a superintendent’s and/or principals’ memo.

Helpful Links:

Specific Learning Disability – Virginia Department of Education

Dyslexia: A Deeper Understanding - Module Series

Resources for division Dyslexia Advisors