New and Noteworthy
ELA Standards Revision Panel Applications Now Open
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is seeking K–12 educators, administrators, pre-service educators, and career language arts and literacy professionals to apply to join the panel to review and revise the Oregon English Language Arts and Literacy Standards.
As required by ORS 329.045(2), the Oregon State Board of Education must regularly review and update academic content standards to support student success. The revised K–12 English Language Arts and Literacy Standards are scheduled for presentation to the State Board in Spring 2026, during the 2025–26 school year.
The English Language Arts and Literacy Standards Revision Panel will meet approximately monthly beginning in November 2025 throughout the 2025–26 school year, with most work occurring after school hours and offline.
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Application deadline: Monday, November 3, 8 a.m.
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Notification of selection: By November 14
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Meeting schedule and next steps will be shared with selected applicants.
Note: Classroom educators must have administrator approval to apply.
If you're unable to join the panel but would like to provide input, please complete the K–12 Oregon English Language Arts and Literacy Standards Review Form.
For additional information or questions, please contact Tina Roberts, ODE Language Arts Education Specialist at tina.roberts@ode.oregon.gov.
Smarter Balanced Seeks Educator Input
The Oregon Department of Education and Smarter Balanced are gathering information about the manipulatives and tools commonly available in K-2 classrooms across Oregon. We invite you to take a brief survey by October 24th. Your responses will help guide the development of instructional materials that are both practical and accessible for educators.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out directly to Sody Fearn, ODE K-2 Balanced Assessment Specialist or Mindi Helmandollar-Armatas, ODE PreK-3rd Coordinator.
High-Dosage Tutoring Community of Practice
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is launching a new Community of Practice in October to support school and district leaders in strengthening literacy high-dosage tutoring (HDT) across the state. Together, participants will build a shared understanding of research-based practices of high-dosage tutoring and explore strategies for planning effective programs or selecting approved-provider partners. This is a chance to collaborate, learn and consider impactful practices with literacy leaders across the state. The next session is Tuesday, October 28, from 3:30-4:30. Learn more about the Community of Practice and register here!
Literacy Leaders’ Network Meeting: November 6 – Save the Date!
Join us for the next Literacy Leaders’ Network (LLN) meeting, where we will discuss best practices, build a community of practitioners, and share ideas for supporting literacy instruction. We meet virtually every First Thursday on Zoom, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Learn more about the vision, mission, and purpose of the LLN, and register to join us here.
K-5 Newsletter
The Oregon Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Teaching, Learning, and Assessment is launching a new quarterly newsletter for K-5 educators. This newsletter provides resources, opportunities, guidance, and ODE updates tailored specifically to support the integrated and well-rounded instruction that elementary education entails. It aims to streamline information related to K-5 academic standards and instruction into one convenient communication.
To sign up for the newsletter, click here
Research and Resources for your Classroom
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month
ORTII has shared this free toolkit for educators from the International Dyslexia Association, to provide fundamental information about dyslexia, dispel some common myths and misconceptions, and be a resource to increase educators’ capacity to help ensure the success of the diverse learners in their classrooms.
Trauma-Informed Libraries Summit
The Washington Library Association is offering a Trauma-Informed Libraries Summit online on Friday, 11/14. If you’d like to attend, you can sign up for free registration through the State Library of Oregon. While the Summit has a leadership lens, the content will be relevant for anyone and everyone who works in a library (academic, public, school, or special), regardless of whether they’re in an official leadership capacity. The audience includes front-line staff alongside managers, supervisors, directors, department heads, deans, etc. Additional information coming soon regarding topics and the day’s schedule at WLA’s event page.
If you are associated with an Oregon library (of any type) as a staff member, volunteer, or a Board/Foundation/Friends member, you may sign up starting today to receive your free registration and instructions beginning October 8.
Exploring Holocaust Literature in the Classroom:
Effective ways to teach historical understanding and promote literacy goals
Join the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for a free webinar where educators will discuss instructional strategies to strengthen literacy skills while literature and resources related to the Museum’s primary source collection to help students understand how and why the Holocaust occurred.
Register
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Native Ways of Knowing Virtual Book Club and Webinars
Decolonizing and Indigenizing Classrooms and Libraries
To help educators and families choose high-quality Indigenous- authored books, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and California Indian Education (CIEFA) have designed this Native Ways of Knowing Book List: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Classrooms and Libraries. These books have been vetted by Native American scholars, California Indian Education For All (CIEFA), and San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) staff. You can sign up for the free book club and webinars at this link. All are welcome.
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Oregon Council of Teachers of English Grant Deadline Extended
The Oregon Council of Teachers of English (OCTE) offers classroom grants, from $150-$300, to develop curriculum, purchase materials, or enhance instruction. This year’s grant application deadline has been extended to October 20, 2025. For more information, contact scholarships@octe.org.
Apply Here
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Oregon State Literacy Association Fall Virtual Symposium
Join the Oregon State Literacy Association (OSLA) for their Fall Virtual Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. The event is free for members. The $35 registration fee provides access to the event and a 1-year membership in OSLA.
Learn more about the event and register here.
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Oregon State Literacy Association Members Invited to Contribute
Dr. Leslie Haas and Dr. Jill Tussey are editing a new book with IGI Global Publishing:
AI and Game-Based Literacy Learning: Innovative Pathways for Diverse Learners
This upcoming volume explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and game-based learning (GBL) can transform literacy instruction for today’s diverse, digital, and multilingual learners. The editors are seeking contributors who can share innovative classroom practices, research, and perspectives on how these emerging tools can promote equity, engagement, and success in literacy learning across PK–12, higher education, and beyond.
Important Dates
- Proposal Submission Deadline: November 5, 2025
- Full Chapter Submission: January 28, 2026
Submit Your Proposals Here
Call for Chapters Overview
There is no cost to publish your chapter if accepted.
Oregon State Literacy Association Literacy Project Grants Available
Do you have a literacy project that needs funding?
The Oregon State Literacy Association (OSLA) is offering $250 and $500 grants to support projects that promote literacy in your classroom, school, or community.
View a slideshow of previously funded projects
Application Deadline: November 15, 2025
*Winners will be notified in early December 2025.
Scoring Rubric
Note: Only current OSLA members are eligible to apply. If you are not a current member or unsure of your membership status, please email Membership Coordinator Stacey Dolezal BEFORE applying: membership@oregonread.org
Questions? Please email OSLA Vice President Christian Geddes at Christian@oregonread.org
Launching the Oregon Media Literacy Coalition
Media Literacy Now, the Yarg Foundation, and 24th Century Education are partnering to establish the Oregon Media Literacy Coalition. The Coalition will bring together national and Oregon-based organizations who support or advocate for youth media literacy and digital literacy education in K-16 schools.
This will create a space where organizations can coordinate and collaborate around resource development, public engagement, and advocacy, amplifying existing efforts and creating new opportunities for shared work across the state. You can learn more about the Coalition here.
If you or your organization are interested in participating, email Brian Baker - brian@24thcenturyeducation.com
Free Access to The Atlantic for US Public High Schools
Starting Sept. 26, The Atlantic is offering free digital access to its current journalism and to its 168-year-old archive. Learn more and sign up here.
Write the World Writing Competitions for Students
Write the World helps “students develop the writing skills they need to succeed and make an impact” on their world.” There are seven writing competitions currently available.
If you have ideas for the newsletter or want to contact the ODE Language Arts and Literacy specialists, please reach out:
Language Arts Education Specialist -- k12.literacy@ode.oregon.gov
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