COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIADepartment of Education
March 18, 2016
TO: Division Superintendents
FROM: Steven R. Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT: Multi-Sensory Structured Language Instruction Pilot Project II
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Office of Special Education Instructional Services in consultation with the Office of Humanities and Early Childhood are seeking K-6 teachers to participate in the Multi-Sensory Structured Language Instruction Pilot Project II during the 2016-2017 school year. Again this year, approximately 80 teachers will be selected through a competitive application process to participate in the August 1-5, 2016, regionally-based pilot project. The participants will receive professional development in the Orton-Gillingham instructional approach. This instructional approach is a direct, systematic approach to teaching language structure for reading remediation. It is designed to address the needs of struggling readers who have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing including those with a specific learning disability such as dyslexia.
Selected teachers will be provided a $500 stipend and the instructional materials needed for implementation. Follow up and support through a professional learning community and/or coaching will be provided to facilitate implementation during the 2016-2017 school year as a Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3 intervention in a general education and/or a special education setting. Participants will be assigned to a regional Virginia Tech Continuing Education Center or affiliate within a reasonable driving distance from their home. If driving distance exceeds 75 miles, travel reimbursement will be provided. Participants will receive certificate of completion of thirty hours of professional development as well as an opportunity to complete additional requirements to receive an Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator Certificate through the Orton-Gillingham Academy.
Participants will be chosen based on the following criteria:
- K-6 language arts teachers, special education teachers and reading specialists;
- Knowledge of the K-6 English Standards of Learning;
- Instructional experience with students of varied learning styles, abilities, and aptitudes; including students with disabilities and students with limited English proficiency;
- Regional representation;
- All teachers who wish to participate must submit an online application; and
- Recommendation of the principal with an administrative commitment to implementation.
Completed applications and recommendations are due to VDOE by April 15, 2016. Once applications are reviewed, notification to participants and registration information will be sent via e-mail by May 13, 2016. Applicants should provide an e-mail address that will be accessed during June.
If you have questions concerning the instructional project, please contact Dr. Teresa Lee at Teresa.Lee@doe.virginia.gov; telephone (804) 371-8283, or Mary Stowe at mmstowe@wm.edu; telephone (757) 221-6014.