Structured Literacy
Structured Literacy refers to the explicit, systematic, diagnostic, and cumulative approach to teaching literacy that acknowledges the value of both word recognition and oral and written language comprehension as evidenced in all grades and disciplines.
It is essential for students to receive evidence-based core reading instruction by a skilled teacher using explicit, systematic and sequential instruction. This will benefit all students and be essential for students with characteristics of dyslexia. Some popularly used reading approaches, such as guided reading or balanced literacy, are not sufficient for students with dyslexia, students who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia or struggling readers working to establish foundational reading skills. These approaches do not provide sufficient or appropriate instruction in decoding and the essentials of the structure of the English language
Structured literacy is instruction that is:
- Explicit
- Sequential and Cumulative
- Highly Interactive
- Multimodal
- Data Driven
- and Scaffolded
Structured literacy instruction provides students with accurate, prompt, targeted feedback and allows time for students to sufficiently practice skills and strategies to become confident and competent readers and writers. Educators make purposeful instructional decisions regarding both texts uses and tasks required to provide a meaningful learning experience for students that feels coherent and comprehensive, integrating oral language, reading and writing throughout the school day.
develop the skills needed to be a successful reader.
(International Dyslexia Association Infographic: Structured Literacy: An Approach Grounded in the Science of Reading)
Required Training: KSDE Initial Dyslexia Training Modules
New teachers, or teachers new to teaching in Kansas that are licensed and/ or endorsed elementary; early childhood unified; high incidence special education K-12; ELA 5-12; reading specialist; school psychologists, are required to receive the Initial Dyslexia Training Modules provided by KSDE (System maintains the documentation of those participating).
Required Training: Annual Dyslexia/ Structured Literacy Training
All teachers who hold the license for elementary; early childhood unified; high incidence special education K-12; EL 5-12; reading specialist; school psychologists receive annual dyslexia and/ or structured literacy training in accordance with the requirements four.Dyslexia Requirements and Recommendations
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers.
Structured Literacy Assessment Resources
Assessments have multiple purposes. Universal screening is conducted to determine a student’s risk for reading.
Structured Literacy Curriculum and Instructional Resources
Curriculum and Instructional Resources based on the elements and principles of structured literacy.
Structured Literacy Professional Learning
The Kansas State Department of Education provides professional learning in various ways. We provide both virtual and in-person professional learning opportunities and virtual consultation with the Structured Literacy/ Dyslexia Team.
