New and Noteworthy
New ODE ELA Full-Composition Performance Tasks Now Available for Grades 3 - 8 and HS
The Oregon Department of Education has released new ELA Full Composition Performance Tasks that can be used to strengthen writing instruction and address multiple assessment needs. These tasks mirror the OSAS ELA Performance Task structure, using multiple sources that students analyze and incorporate into their writing. They are available across all genres and writing purposes.
The Writing Local Performance Assessment Sample Tasks are posted on the ODE Speaking and Writing Local Performance Assessment webpage. These ready-to-use tasks prioritize instruction while aligning classroom practice, local assessments, and the statewide summative ELA performance task.
As a reminder, educators can use these tasks as high-quality work samples to meet Local Performance Assessment requirements, embed them in units, integrate them into the writing cycle, or leverage them for professional learning and scoring calibration.
Research and Resources for Your Classroom
The Power of Explicit Instruction with Anita Archer
Join Anna Stokke as she sits down with Dr. Anita Archer—renowned expert and co-author of Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching. In this episode, they unpack what explicit instruction is, why it works, and what research reveals about its impact. You’ll hear who benefits most, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies like the “I do, we do, you do” model. Dr. Archer also reflects on her 50-year career and shares actionable advice for educators committed to helping all students succeed.
National Center on Improving Literacy: 4 Questions to Ask After Universal Screening for Dyslexia
The National Center on Improving Literacy provides free evidence-based resources for literacy success. This resource shares four questions to ask after universal screening for dyslexia has been completed.
Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework (page 67) presents a model for screening and instructional support that aligns with Oregon's requirement that districts screen for risk factors of dyslexia. This model offers schools and districts an iterative approach to providing instructional support for those students who show risk of reading difficulty, monitoring student growth, and intensifying instruction as needed.
Questions about Oregon’s dyslexia-related requirements?
Contact ODE’s Early Language and Literacy Intervention Specialist
sarah.thorud@ode.oregon.gov
Oregon Department of Education: Dyslexia
High-Dosage Tutoring Community of Practice - January 2026
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) will launch a new Community of Practice to support school and district leaders in strengthening high-dosage tutoring (HDT) statewide. Together, participants will explore research-based practices, plan effective programs, and collaborate with literacy leaders across Oregon. See this HDT One-Pager for more information. Click here to register.
Literacy Leaders’ Network Meeting: January 8 – 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 on Zoom, usually the first Thursday of each month, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. In January, the meeting will be held on the second Thursday, January 8, due to the holiday. 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
Connie Hull Mini-Grants Now Available
Do you have a creative idea to promote literacy in your school library? Whether it is a parent-child book club, storytelling festival, visual literacy activity, or collaborative project, apply for a $1,000 Connie Hull Mini-Grant! Two will be awarded. Applications are due 12/30/25!
Application and Information Here! View full rubric here!
Forward your completed application (and any questions to): pastpresident@oasl.olaweb.org
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Mini Grant Applications Now Open
The State Library is pleased to announce a new mini-grant program. The Strong Libraries LSTA Mini Grant program is meant to strengthen libraries in Oregon and enable them to more fully support their communities.
An organization may request up to $3,000 for a project that fits into one of the focal areas.
More information - including eligibility, requirements, and deadlines - can be found on the State Library’s grants guide: https://slo.oregon.gov/lstagrants/stronglibraries
Contact Tamara Ottum with questions.
2026 ORTIi Annual Spring Conference:
Evidence-Aligned Literacy Instruction for All
Registration for the Annual Spring Conference is live! Register today to secure your spot at the largest early literacy conference on the west coast. The focus of this year’s conference is
Evidence-Aligned Literacy Instruction for All. Session topics include: effective literacy instruction, school and district leadership, multilingual learners, dyslexia and special education, multi-tiered systems of support, and many more.
Teaching Early Literacy from a Multilingual Perspective
Offered by Oregon State University, the Teaching Early Literacy From a Multilingual Perspective course empowers K-5 educators with the knowledge and tools to implement culturally responsive, multilingual literacy instruction. The course aligns with Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework, ensuring teaching strategies reflect current best practices for fostering literacy in diverse classrooms. Find more information and register here.
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
- Full Chapter Submission: January 28, 2026
Call for Chapters Overview
There is no cost to publish your chapter if accepted.
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
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: k12.literacy@ode.oregon.gov
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