Dyslexia Committee

The Northshore School District (NSD) Dyslexia Committee will begin meeting during the 2017-18 school year.  The focus of the committee is to: 1) create a common understanding and definition of dyslexia through a comprehensive review of current research; 2) study, analyze, and recommend coordinated proactive systems for the identification, instruction, progress monitoring, and service delivery models for students who may be at-risk for dyslexia; 3) identify professional development needs of staff; and 4) monitor service implementation and review educational outcomes.

The committee’s recommendations will be submitted to the superintendent for consideration and action.  Recommendations will be in alignment with the NSD Strategic Plan and the delivery of services consistent with the RTI (Response to Instruction) component of the MTSS framework. To this end, the following will comprise the charge to the group:

  • Compilation of objective evidence of the why this work is essential.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Services) illustrating the interconnected components of RTI and PBIS as a comprehensive service delivery framework to address the needs of students at risk for learning to read.
  • Creation of the district’s definition of dyslexia with recommendations for the application and use throughout district processes and systems.
  • Review, understand and reach agreement of the required components of a comprehensive reading approach with essential supporting assessment structures for students at risk of learning to read.
  • Review current district core (basic education) and supplemental (LAP, Title) reading services K-5 and supporting assessment structures (screening, diagnostic, formative, summative), with consideration of services for secondary students as future work of the committee.
  • Propose short term ideas and suggestions for ways to address the "gap students" (those needing assistance now) - how to identify and serve until the work of the committee is completed.
  • Submit recommendations for the implementation of a comprehensive tiered model of services for reading instruction and integrated assessment systems to proactively address needs of students learning to read.
  • Submit recommendations for professional development to ensure the appropriate implementation of assessments, core instruction, and supplemental supports. Identify and recommend PD strategies and existing training opportunities that can be readily disseminated and accessed which will enable immediate implementation by staff.
  • Submit recommendations for the inclusion of parents as partners in this effort.
  • All recommendations will explicitly address equity, diversity, and inclusive practices.

At the end of the day, we expect the Dyslexia Committee to develop a model for proactively identifying, instructing, and assessing all students learning to read, which will reduce the number of students needing additional supports and structures not inclusive of general education. The model will clearly show the relation between general education and special education addressing how the provision of FAPE to entitled students is accessed. Implementation of this model will show that students with dyslexia can learn to read.

The committee is expected to deliver an interim report to the Superintendent by June 1, 2018, and a final report to the Superintendent by May 1, 2019, summarizing the work and recommendations. Becky Anderson, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services and Heather Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education will co-chair this committee. 

Meeting Schedules and Documents

Committee Membership

Administrative Staff

Michael Tolley, Co-Chair
Assistant Superintendent
Special Services

Heather Miller, Co-Chair
Assistant Superintendent
Secondary Education

Amity Butler
Director
Accelerated Models & Programs

 
Christy Clausen 
Assistant Director
Curriculum & Instruction


Elizabeth Meza
Assistant Director
Accelerated Models & Programs
EL/Family Outreach

Audee Gregor
Principal
Leota Middle School

Jen Welch
Principal
Cottage Lake Elementary

District Staff

Erin Chargualaf 
Teacher (5th grade)
Crystal Springs Elementary

Bruce Cordingly
School Psychologist
Moorlands/Westhill Elementaries

Donna Gallagher
Librarian 
Sunrise Elementary

Milt Miller
Teacher (Kindergarten)
Moorlands Elementary

 

Karen Rogers
OT/PT Specialist
Canyon Creek Elem/Skyview MS

Jenny Ross
Speech/Language Therapist
Canyon Creek/Crystal Springs Elem.

Leah Sawyer
Teacher (2nd grade)
Frank Love Elementary

Pamela Stevenson
Teacher (1st grade)
Moorlands Elementary

Kristina Schmidt
Teacher (4th grade)
East Ridge Elementary

Kristina Saunders
Teacher (3th grade)
Lockwood Elementary




 

Parent/Community Members

Sandra (Sam) Ames
Parent
IHS Pathway

Edna Bicksler
Parent

IHS Pathway

Kristie English
Parent
NCHS Pathway

Karen Gunderson
Parent

NCHS Pathway

Aileen Hammar
Parent
IHS Pathway

Denise Need
Parent
WHS Pathway

Krystal ParkerMeyer
Parent
NCHS Pathway

 

Contact

Michael Tolley
East Region Assistant Superintendent
425-408-6000
mtolley@nsd.org

Heather Miller
South Region Assistant Superintendent
425-408-7704
hmiller@nsd.org