"Whatever It Takes" to Read!
5 Pillars of Literacy
VESD Reading Certification
We are pleased to introduce the plan below to continue to improve reading instruction and student outcomes in VESD. We have developed an optional reading certification program based on the following:
- The skill and knowledge of our staff is most important.
- The district mission is for all students to develop foundational skills.
- 2024-25 Board approved LCAP goals and actions:
- Goal 1: On state and local measures, all students will demonstrate growth in ELA and math standards, and English Learners will demonstrate progress in English language proficiency.
- Action 1.2 Professional Development for Certificated
- Action 1.4 Small Group Instruction in Grades TK-2
- Goal 1: On state and local measures, all students will demonstrate growth in ELA and math standards, and English Learners will demonstrate progress in English language proficiency.
- Evidence-based structures for improving reading known as the “5 Pillars of Reading” are yielding results in VESD (CAReads.org, CAASPP ELA/Math scores, district benchmarks).
To receive the VESD reading certification, you will need to complete each of the following tiers.
Tier I: To complete Tier I, all of the training noted under the 5 Pillars of Reading must be completed.
Tier I: To complete Tier I, all of the training noted under the 5 Pillars of Reading must be completed.
5 Pillars of Reading
- Phonics: Orton-Gillingham-Comprehensive
- Vocabulary: Orton-Gillingham-Morphology
- Comprehension: Thinking Maps- Response to Text
- Fluency: Guided Reading
- Phonemic Awareness: Heggerty
Tier II will include coaching and support that will be a 3-5 hour commitment.
- Once a committed Reading Certification Program (RCP) teacher has completed Tier I, they may enter Tier II.
- Coaching cycles are to be scheduled with an OSICC or Support Specialist.
- Uploading completed coaching cycle documents will be the same process as those in Tier I.
- For further details, refer to the negotiated Tier II Coaching Cycle.
Tier III will include a collaboration and modeling structure and will be a 3 day commitment. (TBD)
Tier IV will include mentorship and modeling on-going.(TBD)