Evidence-based Early Literacy PLC - Cohort 2

This professional learning community (PLC) was established as part of MA DESE’s commitment to advancing evidence-based, culturally and linguistically sustaining early literacy practices across the state. This PLC is being facilitated by The Reading Circuit and EdLighten Solutions to help faculty ensure that they successfully teach candidates evidence-based early literacy practices that are aligned to the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

Please see our early literacy resource page for an organized repository of resources.  Any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.   This page is for Cohort 2, please click here for the Cohort 1 PLC. 

THE READING CIRCUIT, INC.
PLC Application Form

Please complete this form to express your interest in participating in this PLC.

PLC Cohort 2 - Fall 2024 & Spring 2025

The PLC will consist of a series of 8 collaborative sessions, each 90 minutes long, held throughout Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. These sessions will be facilitated by expert speakers and provide practical suggestions for aligning your programs to the Early Literacy Program Approval Criteria. Stipends will be provided based on participation. 

Schedule

All sessions are scheduled for Tuesdays from 9:30 – 11am.

1. Working Collaboratively on Early Literacy Instruction, Oct. 8th

2. Working Collaboratively with School Districts for Field-based Experiences, Nov. 12th

3. Building a Cohesive Program of Study for Early Literacy Instruction, Dec. 10th

4. Building a Cohesive Program of Study for Early Literacy Instruction – continued, Jan. 14th

5. Building an Equitable Program of Study for Early Literacy Instruction, Feb. 11th

6. Building Practices in Early Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners, Mar. 25th

7. Building Practices within an MTSS Model of Instruction, Apr. 8th

8. Successful Practices and Feedback on ELPAC Alignment, Apr. 29th

Resources for Educator Preparation Faculty

Please visit the early literacy resource page for an organized repository of resources developed during the Professional Learning Community. Below are a few other helpful resources.
 

Reports
• NAEP – The National Assessment of Educational Progress
• NCTQ: Teacher Prep Review – National Council on Teacher Quality – Teacher Prep Review – Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction

Science of Reading
• Infographic on What SoR is and is not from the National Center for Improving Literacy
• Science of Reading: Defining Guide from The Reading League

Structured Literacy
• Infographic from the International Dyslexia Association

 

MA DESE Resources

Lindsay Zorich, Assistant Director of Educator Preparation, Center for Instructional Support

Mass Literacy – Statewide effort to empower educators with the evidence-based practices for literacy that all students need.

Early Literacy in Educator Preparation – Resources for Ed Prep Program Faculty including Early Literacy Program Criteria so that all teacher candidates have access to information about literacy and language acquisition that is based in current evidence. 

Early Literacy Observation Form – A form to support educator preparation supervisors to observe and provide high-quality feedback to teacher candidates.

Supporting Culturally and Linguistically Sustaining Practices
• Center for Instructional Support Guidance and Resources
• Center for Instructional Support Video Library
• Pathways to Equity in Early Literacy from Mass Literacy
• The Foundations of Early Literacy as a Tool for Equity – Webinar
• Culturally Responsive Practices in Early Literacy – Webinar
• Early Literacy Instruction for Multilingual Learners – Webinar
• DESE’s Educational Vision

Literacy Grants
• Grant Details – Higher Education Faculty Participation in Early Literacy Professional Learning Community
• Grant Details –  Early Literacy Consortium Grant

Professional Learning Community Members

The following PLC community members have chosen to have their information shared.  Please reach out and collaborate.

  • Adam Brieske-Ulenski, Association Professor of Literacy Edu, Chairperson of Elementary and Early Childhood Education Department, Bridgewater State University
  • Kelly Costa Sardella, Senior Visiting Instructor, Framingham State College
  • Lori Ann Dunn, Professor of Practice and Graduate Teacher Education, Stonehill College
  • Leandra Elion, Tufts University Lecturer, The Reading Circuit President, Focus: Dyslexia and Equitable Opportunities
  • Sarah Frenette, Director of Undergraduate Initial Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Patricia Garcia, Assistant Professor of Education Lasell University
  • Michael Gentile, Lecturer (Clinical Faculty), UMass Amherst
  • Samantha Goldman, Education Department Chair and Associate Professor of Special Education, Assumption University
  • Stavroula Gurguliatos, Visiting Lecturer/Graduate Program Coordinator, Framingham State University
  • Elizabeth Hartmann, Chair and Professor, Lasell University
  • Ruth Hornsby, Associate Director – Post Bacc Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Laura Hudock, Associate Professor, Framingham State University
  • Deborah Maniace, Field Supervisor, Lasell University
  • Amy Maynard, Professor of Education, Lasell University
  • Amy Mercado, Assistant Professor, Bridgewater State University
  • Kim Merrick, Assistant Professor, Bridgewater State University
  • Esperanza Oliveras, Program Supervisor, Lasell University
  • Francesca Pomerantz, Professor of Literacy and Department Chair of Early Childhood and Elementary, Salem State University
  • Dr. Donna Richards, Professor, Springfield College
  • Claudia Rinaldi, Chair of Undergraduate Education Program, Lasell University
  • Ellen Rustico, Assistant Dean of Education & Licensure Programs, Bay Path University
  • Kristina Scott, Associate Dean of Education, Salem State University
  • Nancy Sotis, Adjunct Program Supervisor: Practicum Students, Lasell University
  • Dr. Maria B Serpa, Professor Emerita of Education & TESOL Bilingual Special Education, Lesley University and Lasell University
  • Jennifer Stratton, Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Bay Path University
  • Catherine Swift, Director, Teacher Licensure Programs, Mount Holyoke College
  • Carolyn Townsend, Instructor, Salem State University
  • Martin Trice, Practicum Supervisor and Trainer, Salem State University
  • Nanho Vander Hart, Director of Special Education & Transition Specialist Programs, Assumption University
  • Elizabeth Walsh, Professor of Early Literacy and SEI, Assumption University