Educator Competencies Initiative
Public Act 21-168 tasked the ODRD with developing structured literacy competency targets to be achieved by an educator based on certification level and endorsement. Competencies are to include targets related to the recognition and detection of dyslexia and the provision of evidence-based structured literacy interventions for students with dyslexia.
The ODRD defines competencies as the measurable and observable knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and mindsets that contribute to effective educator performance related to (1) utilizing evidence-based structured literacy methods to support the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in an integrated manner; (2) screening students for dyslexia risk; (3) determining IDEA eligibility for Specific Learning Disability: Dyslexia; and, (4) providing intensive, individualized structured literacy interventions for students identified as at-risk for and/or with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. For additional essential definitions that inform the work of this initiative, please see: Key Terms and Definitions.
Competency targets will inform educator preparation (e.g., program and course revision efforts; EPP approval decisions made by the State Board of Education), educator development (e.g., district and state-sponsored/endorsed professional learning and development activities), and certification eligibility verification processes.
Prioritized certifications for which these competencies will be developed are: Elementary Education (#305); Special Education (#112/113; #165); Remedial Reading and Remedial Language Arts (#102); and Intermediate Administration or Supervision (#092).
Project Team
| NAME | AFFILIATION | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| Jule McCombes-Tolis, Ph.D. | CSDE | Project Director |
| Lisa Gianni | CSDE | Project Manager |
| Sarah Sayko, Ph.D. | National Center for Improving Literacy | Technical Assistance Team Lead |
| Stephney Gonzalez, Ph.D. | National Center for Improving Literacy | Consultant |
| Judith Fontana, Ph.D. | National Center for Improving Literacy | Consultant |
| Maryann Perry, Ph.D. | National Center for Improving Literacy | Consultant |
| Amanda Rathbun | National Center for Improving Literacy | Consultant |
| Devin Kearns, Ph.D. | University of Connecticut | Co-Chair, SRPA |
| Louisa Moats, Ph.D. | National Expert | Co-Chair, SRPA |
| Natasha Feinberg, Ph.D. | Rhode Island College | Member, SRPA |
| Margie Gillis, Ed.D. | Literacy How | Member, SRPA |
| Fumiko Hoeft, Ph.D. | University of Connecticut | Member, SRPA |
| Maureen Ruby, Ph.D. | Sacred Heart University | Member, SRPA |
| Cyndi Adams | Cooperative Educational Services | Member, SRPA |
| Eric Elias | Meriden Public Schools | Member, SRPA |
| Allison Quirion | Decoding Dyslexia | Member, SRPA |
| Evelyn Russo, Ph.D. | Orange Public Schools | Member, SRPA |
| Kenneasha Sloley | New Haven Public Schools | Member, SRPA |
| Vacianna Spaulding | Middletown Public Schools | Member, SRPA |
Intra-Agency Liaisons
| NAME | OFFICE |
|---|---|
| Kristin Allen | Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities, Liaison to Bureau of Special Education |
| Megan Alubicki Flick, Ed.D | Multilingual Learners |
| Judith Carson, Ph.D. | School, Family, and Community Partnerships |
| Julianne Frost | Educator Certification |
| Sharon Fuller | Educator Evaluation and Professional Learning |
| Melissa Hickey, Ed.D. | Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success |
| Sabrina Mancini | Adult Education |
| Maribel Olivero, Ed.D | Equity and Languages |
| Meeting Date | Meeting Agenda | Meeting Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| March 19, 2024 | ||
| April 17, 2024 | ||
| May 22, 2024 | ||
| June 18, 2024 | ||
| July 24, 2024 | ||
| August 21, 2024 |
| DATE | STATUS REPORT |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2024 | |
| April 30, 2024 | |
| May 31, 2024 | |
| June 30, 2024 | |
| July 31, 2024 | |
| August 31, 2024 |
Contact
Lisa Gianni, Associate Education Consultant
Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities
lisa.gianni@ct.gov
860-713-6712
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