Literacy

Literacy is…

Literacy is a complex relationship of sounds and symbols used to communicate meaning. It includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and analytical thinking. Literacy development begins at birth and continues throughout life. Ensuring that all learners have equitable access to literacy attainment is a collective community responsibility (ND Department of Public Instruction Literacy Plan definition).

Literacy gives a person the ability to navigate the world with dignity. The ability to read, write, and comprehend is critical to taking control of our own lives and advocating for ourselves, for our families, and for our communities. When people aren’t equipped with those skills, they’re left with limited options in life.

New technologies, such as fMRI brain scans, help us understand the science of how the brain learns to read and the instructional practices to support that learning. This emerging research is referred to as “the science of reading” (SoR). SoR offers educators, students, and families in North Dakota hope that 95% of students can read proficiently by the end of the decade.

What Grades Do You Support? K - 3 4 - 12 NO NO Required by NDCC 15.1-21-12.1 to receive training in scientifically-based reading instruction practices. YES Implementation Supports CoachELA Literacy Coaching Institute Rewards Implementation Community of Practice UFLI Implementation Community of Practice Explicit Instruction Facilitator Training Leveraging Reading Diagnostic Assessment Tools to Maximize Instructional Time Other NDSoR Offerings Engaging Learners in Academic Vocabulary Supporting Learners in Comprehension Evaluating Curricular Resources Implementation Support for ECR Standards Mapping NDSoR Hotline Think SRSD NDSoR: A Shared Responsibility NDSoR: A Shared Responsibility For these grade levels, NDCC 15.1-21-12.1 does not require training, but teachers will find trainings helpful to improve literacy for older students. Aspire High Leverage Literacy Practices for All* Improving Reading for Older Students Do you teach reading directly? Teacher PE, Music, Art, Library Principal Instructional Coach NDSoR: Leading for Literacy Impact NDSoR: Reaching All Learners Foundations of Reading Do you lead literacy work? NDSoR: Reaching All Learners Foundations of Reading LETRS® for K-3 Educators Grades K - 3 Reading SPED EL Professional Development Decision-Making Flowchart Offerings are listed in order from least to most intensive time commitment (*indicates same time commitment). Course descriptions on pages 2-5. NDCC 15.1-21-12.1 guidance and additional professional development resources at www.nd.gov/dpi/education-programs/science-reading Questions? Please contact your REA. Can’t find something? Check out NDSoR resources from SEEC and CREA. These offerings are available through state resources. Individuals and teams are welcome to seek out other training opportunities as they see fit. Supporting Secondary Struggling Readers* YES

ND Science of reading

Science of Reading

The SEEC's belief in evidence-based research to inform and guide its work is very apparent when it comes to the Science of Reading (SoR). This page serves as a place to understand your knowledge base around SoR and how the SEEC is applying regarding professional development available to schools (ND Department of Public Instruction SoR).

We aim to increase the use of evidence-based methods in our state, so every student becomes a skilled and confident reader.

  • Gain knowledge about the science of reading.

  • Build your skills through on-going professional development in the science of reading.

Extra Resources

West Virginia Phonics
Decision-Making Flowchart
Join our NDSOR Facebook group!