Connecticut State Department of Education

State Board of Education now accepting public comments on state charter applications until Jan. 14, 2025.

Students reach their literacy goals when all stakeholders collaborate and contribute their unique knowledge and skills to support the mutual mission of student achievement.

In the Words of CT Districts/Charter Schools…

(reel from Performance Matters)

#WhatsYourStory

Across the state, educators are working together to align Kindergarten through third grade (K-3) literacy teaching and learning with evidence-based practices so that all students will be reading at or above grade level by the end of third grade. How has your school/district worked to increase student achievement? Please consider sharing your experience with us at: (link Qualtrics survey here)

Coaching Academy

What would you like to learn more about? Throughout September-October 2024, feedback was collected from literacy leaders and coaches throughout Connecticut at RESC Literacy Council meetings and through a questionnaire on the Center’s Coaches’ Listserv. Below are the highest-priority topics. The Center will focus on these topics throughout the 2024-25 school year as they offer opportunities for learning and collaboration. Stay tuned to the Coaches’ Listserv for upcoming information.

  • Coaching for evidence-based Tier 1 instruction
  • Dyslexia and reading disabilities
  • Intensive reading intervention
  • Coaching strategies
  • Effective instruction for EL/MLs
  • MTSS

Sign up for Professional Learning Opportunities

Upcoming No-Cost Opportunities for Districts/Charter Schools and Educators
  • Network Improvement Community (WestEd): Districts/Charter Schools will engage in professional learning and site-based coaching focused on specific evidence-based school improvement practices around K-3 literacy instruction, with a focus on implementing CT-approved K-3 literacy curriculum models/programs
  • Individualized Support for Districts/Charter Schools (TNTP):  Beginning with a landscape analysis, districts/Charter Schools will receive customized support in implementing a CT-approved K-3 literacy model/program. As part of this work, the following may also be included: setting or refining a vision for literacy instruction, gathering/analyzing data, building leader and educator capacity, aligning systems, and monitoring progress to ensure that all faculty and staff are effectively leveraging the high-quality materials to meet the needs of all learners.
  • ReadConn 2.0 (PCG): Revised and revamped, now K-12 educators will be supported as they delve into evidence-based literacy research and practice, and the timeline for completion has been extended from one to two years completion. This professional learning series aims to: 
    • Equip K-12 educators with a deep understanding of the science of reading and evidence-based instructional strategies
    • Provide educators with practical tools and techniques to implement effective literacy instruction in their classrooms 
    • Encourage collaboration among teachers, literacy leaders, and administrators to create a cohesive approach to reading instruction 
    • Create a culture of continuous learning and professional learning
    • Support literacy leaders who mentor other teachers in implementing the science of reading 

ReadConn 2.0 is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and aligns to the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS). 

Learning in Progress
  • Right to Read Professional Learning Series, Cohort 2 (HILL for Literacy):
    • Leadership Series: Leadership training focused on systems and structures necessary to support a sustainable, district-wide multi-tiered instructional and assessment model
    • Science of Reading Series: Science of Reading training teaches critical components of literacy instruction, integrating current research into each module and translating it into classroom application
  • Science of Reading MasterClass, Cohort 4 (CT Association of Public School Superintendents - CAPSS): Professional learning and coaching for district literacy leadership teams to develop local capacity for the science of reading and components of comprehensive K-3 literacy instruction
  • Individualized Support for Districts/Charter Schools (HILL for Literacy): Support designed to facilitate the selection, adoption, and implementation of a CT-approved K-3 literacy curriculum model/program
  • Literacy Affinity Groups and 1:1 Coaching (CT RESC Alliance): Professional learning designed to help districts/charter schools navigate the digital platforms and materials of their literacy programs, understand how their programs align with components of the Science of Reading, and collaboratively address any implementation challenges.

Communication

The Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success (Center) Listservs

Stay informed of all that’s happening at the Center through our two listservs:

  1. The Center Listserv: newsworthy events, upcoming trainings, and various other updates about the Center. 
  2. The Coaches’ Listserv: newsworthy events, upcoming trainings, opportunities for collaboration, current research and literacy resources, and various other updates; designed specifically for literacy leaders and coaches.

Join one or both of our listservs by sending an email from the address to which you wish to receive notices. The email should be sent to your Center Point of Contact or to SDE.LiteracyCenter@ct.gov.

When emailing us, please specify:

  • First and Last Name
  • District/School/University (if you are an educator) or Town (if you are a community member/parent)
  • the listserv(s) to which you would like to subscribe
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