RIDE Recognizes October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, Promotes Literacy-Focused Events and Resources for Educators and Families

RIDE Recognizes October as Dyslexia Awareness Month, Promotes Literacy-Focused Events and Resources for Educators and Families

Published on Tuesday, October 01, 2024

PROVIDENCE, RI - To mark Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) are sharing a series of events and resources designed to support students, educators, and families in understanding, identifying, and addressing dyslexia, while promoting literacy and learning opportunities across the state. Dyslexia impacts the ability to read and is the most prevalent learning disorder in schools. In addition to raising awareness about dyslexia, RIDE is also recognizing other learning challenges such as dysgraphia and dyscalculia, which impact writing and mathematical learning, respectively.

"Dyslexia does not define a student's potential. With the right support, students with dyslexia can excel academically and beyond," said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. "By raising awareness and providing access to resources during Dyslexia Awareness Month, RIDE aims to ensure that every student with dyslexia has the tools they need to succeed. Improving literacy statewide is a top priority for RIDE and initiatives such as these are helping us make progress."

Dyslexia Awareness Month comes as RIDE continues its efforts to improve literacy outcomes for all students across the state through implementation of the Right to Read Act,high-quality curriculum materials, and substantial investments in literacy initiatives. The Right to Read Act requires educators to exhibit either proficiency in or awareness of the knowledge and practices of the Science of Readingand Structured Literacyby the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Since the law's enactment, RIDE has directed several funding sources to support the necessary professional learning and ensure Rhode Island educators meet this requirement. Additionally, in accordance with the law, RIDE is developing a collaborative online Learning Laboratory to assist and promote training for parents, guardians, caregivers, and educators in the recognition of and evidence-based practices and accommodations for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. RIDE will kick off its Learning Lab Webinar series with Dr. Margie Gillis, founder of Literacy How, on October 29, 2024 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will focus on dysgraphia and will be recorded. Find webinar registration and details here.

The state's commitment to improving literacy outcomes is further reinforced by significant investments at both the federal and state levels. In August, RIDE received a $40 million federal grantto advance literacy skills, including pre-literacy skills, reading, and writing, for students from birth through grade 12, including multilingual learners and differently-abled students. The federal grant comes in addition to $5 million in state fundingawarded by RIDE for instructional coaching in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA) for 24 schools and districts across the state, with approximately $4 million going towards staffing and the remaining $1 million earmarked for professional development.

Additionally, in partnership with Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island (DDRI), RIDE has provided knapsacks with "Little Learners" decodable texts, a phonics chart, and a parent manual to 8 libraries throughout the Ocean State Libraries system. Decodable books help young readers and those needing extra decoding practice to use phonics skills to sound out words, rather than relying on pictures or other cues- this extra practice is essential for students with dyslexia. DDRI will work to support and build librarians' knowledge of the decodables and how to use them with children.

The following Ocean State Library branches have received decodable texts:

• South Providence Library, 441 Prairie Avenue, Providence, RI
• Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RI
• Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street, Newport, RI
• West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick, RI
• East Providence Public Library, 41 Grove Ave, East Providence, RI
• Greenville Public Library, 572 Putnam Pike, Greenville, RI
• Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket, RI
• North Kingstown Free Library, 100 Boone Street, North Kingstown, RI

"We are thrilled to partner with RIDE and local libraries to support the literacy needs of Rhode Island students. Providing decodable books empowers families to give striving readers the extra practice they need to strengthen their decoding skills, a key component of early reading development, and become fluent readers," said DDRI President Shannon Salgio. "We look forward to continued collaboration between LEAs, RIDE, and families to improve literacy outcomes for all students."

In addition to the book donation, RIDE will provide free literature, decodable books and bookmarks for children of all ages in both English and Spanish at Family Game Day at the Weaver Library on October 12, 2024. The event will take place from 11 to 1 p.m. at 41 Grove Ave, East Providence, RI 02914. The table will also feature informational resources to help families better understand dyslexia and support students who face reading challenges. Decodable StoryWalks will be set up for families to interact with and will travel to partner libraries at future events.

To further acknowledge Dyslexia Awareness Month, DDRI in partnership with Lt. Governor Sabina Matos and Rhode Island Senator Robert Britto will host an event at the Rhode Island State House on October 18, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. to Light Rhode Island Red for Dyslexia. The event will feature a lighting of the Capitol, made possible by the Hamilton Institute at Wheeler, and presentation of the 2024 Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island Educator Ally Award.

The lighting is in alignment with the international "Go Red for Dyslexia" campaign brought to the State of Rhode Island four years ago by Sarah and Parker Goldman under the grassroots campaign name "Light Rhode Island Red for Dyslexia." Each year, the campaign lights notable local buildings and landmarks red in support of the 1 in 5 Rhode Islanders who are dyslexic. It symbolizes a shift from the conventional association of red ink with marking mistakes to celebrating neurodiversity and raise awareness of dyslexia.

"If we want to improve our test scores and drive up attendance, we must start by engaging students who have historically faced barriers to success. This Dyslexia Awareness Month, we are celebrating the talents of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia and ensuring that educators and parents know how to best support them," said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. "The tens of thousands of Rhode Island students who have dyslexia will learn and grow to their fullest potential when we offer them the time, care, and specialized resources they need."

Senator Robert Britto (D - Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket) said, "During the Light Rhode Island Red for Dyslexia gathering, we send a clear and powerful message that we want the best for all our children - and that every child deserves the best possible chance for success. That means an ongoing commitment to recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity and language-based learning differences. I am proud to be part of Dyslexia Awareness Month and help honor the 2024 Decoding Dyslexia Rhode Island Educator Ally."

"When I was a kid, my mom and I drove to see a bridge in downtown Boston lit red for dyslexia awareness. It was the first time I felt like I was not alone in my learning difference. There are lots of people like me," said Parker Goldman, a sophomore at the Wheeler School. "So now we try to light as much of Rhode Island as we can, so kids and their families know that they are supported and understood."

"Growing up labeled a 'struggling reader' myself, I have made it a focus to not label any of my students. Instead, I work to understand their individual needs, including challenges like dyslexia, and provide the support they deserve," said 2024 Teacher of the Year Aimée Couto. "Being part of the Science of Reading journey as a Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) facilitator has been incredibly fulfilling and transformative. By prioritizing professional development for educators, our state is laying the groundwork for long-term success in literacy and fostering a more inclusive and equitable education system."

For more information about Dyslexia Awareness Month and to access available resources, visit RIDE's Literacy webpageand https://www.ddri.org.

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