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Board hears progress on statewide literacy efforts: pilot 'Foundations' course, dyslexia services and LETRS training
Summary
State and nonprofit presenters described a multi-pronged effort — a Foundations professional learning pilot, scholarships, dyslexia therapy and several training pathways (LETRS, Read Redefined, Phillips Fundamental) — aiming to expand structured literacy instruction and credentialing for Kansas educators.
State Board members received a multi-part briefing on Aug. 13 on Kansas literacy initiatives, including a pilot of the Foundations course (approved for the board's Seal of Literacy), private nonprofit dyslexia services, and multiple professional-development pathways for classroom teachers and specialists.
Dr. Cynthia Lane, representing the Kansas Board of Regents, and Dr. Carolyn Carlson, a Washburn University professor who led the Foundations pilot, described the course as knowledge-based, supported by coaching and organized around application. "The blueprint for literacy is about one thing. The main thing: teach every child to read," Lane told the board, adding that Foundations is "knowledge based ... community of practice ... application ... and coaching." Lane said 35 Kansas educators completed the pilot in July and that scholarships are available for an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 licensed educators statewide.
Carlson, who led a 16-week pilot embedded in Topeka USD 501, said the course combined in-person cohort meetings, weekly coaching and classroom application assignments. "The coach wasn't evaluating…
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