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K–5 literacy initiative expands Orton‑Gillingham training for teachers
Summary
The board heard that K–3 teachers are being trained in IMSE/Orton‑Gillingham methods and Title I intervention staff are taking extra intervention courses; the district tied the work to compliance with the state Act 20 reading law.
Melissa Ender, K–5 ELA content coordinator and literacy specialist, told the board the district is continuing a multi‑year emphasis on foundational reading instruction and is expanding training this fall.
"There's no reading strategy powerful enough to compensate for the fact that you can't read the words," Ender said as she outlined the program's focus on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension and the Scarborough reading rope framework. She said 21 additional teachers will receive IMSE/Orton‑Gillingham training this year so that more early‑grade teachers and some special education staff have the multi‑sensory instruction certification available in the district.
Ender said the program also included enhancements to interactive read‑aloud materials to strengthen vocabulary and that administrators are taking modules to be able to observe and support classroom implementation. Staff tied the work to compliance with the state Act 20 reading requirements and described Title I staff taking targeted intervention coursework to bolster supports for struggling readers.
No board vote occurred; the presentation was delivered as information and board members thanked Ender for the training effort and its alignment with district equity goals.
