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To: Superintendents, Principals, Education Partners, Charter School Leaders, K-12 Public Information Officers, Curriculum Directors, Culturally Specific After School Learning, African American/Black Student Success, Latino/a/x Student Success, LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Student Success, Special Education Directors, School and District Improvement Leaders
From: Dr. Candice Castillo, Deputy Director of Academics
Date: August 20, 2025
Re: Apply to Join Oregon’s New Literacy Advisory Roundtable
Disclaimer: To ensure Oregon’s Early Literacy work reflects and responds to the needs of all Student Success Plan populations, we are including members of these listservs in this communication.
Dear Education Leaders:
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is excited to announce the launch of a Literacy Advisory Roundtable, a new opportunity for educators, advocates, students and partners to help shape the future of literacy in Oregon. As the Early Literacy Success Initiative enters its second biennium and new efforts begin, ODE invites literacy leaders to continue shaping this important work by applying to join the Roundtable.
Purpose of the Literacy Advisory Roundtable
The Roundtable will convene virtually for 90 minutes every other month, beginning in October 2025. Members will:
- Provide feedback on statewide literacy initiatives and strategic planning
- Offer input on the implementation of literacy policies and legislation
- Identify and recommend strategies to support alignment of literacy efforts across districts and Education Service Districts (ESD)
The Roundtable will bring together voices from across Oregon’s literacy community. ODE seeks diverse membership, including:
- Practicing educators, school and district administrators, ESD and Tribal leaders
- Literacy researchers
- Students
- Advocacy and community-based organizations focused on literacy
- State agencies such as the Educator Advancement Council, Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Department of Early Learning and Care and State Library of Oregon
- Professional organizations such as the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, Oregon Education Association, Oregon Association of Education Service Districts, Oregon School Employees Association and Oregon Association for Bilingual Education
How to Apply for the Roundtable
Members will be selected through an open application process, with priority given to individuals who bring direct experience and expertise in literacy education, policy and/or advocacy. ODE will seek membership that represents a variety of perspectives, including small, rural and urban/suburban communities, as well as historically underserved communities in Oregon. ODE is also seeking student representation, so students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must:
- Demonstrate a commitment to literacy and advancing equitable literacy outcomes across Oregon
- Highlight their experience as a practicing educator, administrator, researcher or advocate from an organization focused on literacy, early learning or educational equity
- Commit 3-5 hours every other month for virtual meetings (after the school day) and to complete preparatory work
- Contribute actively to discussions, workgroups and recommendations
- Collaborate with statewide partners to align and support literacy initiatives
Timeline and Next Steps
To apply, please complete this application in order to be considered for the Literacy Advisory Roundtable. Applications are due by September 12, 2025. ODE will select and notify approximately 20 members by the end of September.
The first Literacy Advisory Roundtable meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. We encourage you to apply and join this important statewide effort to ensure every Oregon student has the opportunity to succeed in literacy!
For More Information
If you have any questions, please email k12.literacy@ode.oregon.gov.
Warmly,
Dr. Candice Castillo
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