K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network

In collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center invites you to join the K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network.

The K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network will be facilitated by Dr. Sharon Vaughn (University of Texas, Austin) and Dr. Elizabeth Stevens (University of Kansas). It will include eight virtual learning sessions on various literacy and dyslexia topics. It will also include the development of a coaching guide and access to virtual office hours for personalized support. Attendance at all network meetings is required for acceptance into the Research Network.

Application Link
(https://mimtssta.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7VzX6JAcE7vjpYy&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1746715023802168&usg=AOvVaw159ceAakCz8iYfuOqyd9Iy)

Facilitator Network Application 

Application closes August 15, 2025. Participants will be notified of their acceptance into the K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network and sent a direct link to registration for the virtual learning series on or before August 22, 2025.

The purpose of the K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network is to Increase literacy coach knowledge, skills, and abilities to support educators in understanding K-12 reading development, characteristics of dyslexia, and significant learning needs related to dyslexia.

• A coaching guide will be developed to support K-12 literacy/dyslexia understanding that is informed by and in response to coaches’ input.
• Virtual office hours for coaches will be provided for personalized support.

Audience: Individuals employed within Michigan districts, PSAs, and ISDs responsible for collaborating with elementary and secondary teachers and staff. 

• Literacy coaches actively work with teachers and staff providing literacy instruction, integrating reading and writing to support learners’ understanding of concepts across core subjects, and delivering intervention services to general education and special education students.
• A coach fosters discussion of new learning, practice using literacy curricula materials, resources, instructional routines for class-wide and intervention support, and ensures feedback if provided to coaching recipients

Topics to be Covered:

• Dyslexia: The Neurobiological Underpinnings of Dyslexia
• Science of Reading (SoR): Definition and Common Misunderstandings
• Structured Literacy
• Differentiating Instruction within Tier 1 for Students with Characteristics of Dyslexia
• Supporting Reading Comprehension for Students with Characteristics of Dyslexia
• Multisyllable Word Instruction
• Spelling
• Using Data to Inform Instruction
• Deliberate Practice and Feedback: The Secret Sauce

Session 1:  September 9th    2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Session 2:  October 7th    10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET

Session 3:  November 4th  3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Session 4   December 3rd  11:00  - 12:30 p.m. ET

Session 5:  January 23rd    2:00 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Session 6:  February 24th   10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET

Session 7:  March 26th    3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

Session 8:  April 20th   11:00  - 12:30 p.m. ET

• Participants must complete an application for acceptance into the K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network, including a letter of support from an administrator
• There is no cost to join the K-12 Literacy Dyslexia Research Network 
• SCECHs will be available at no cost, pending approval of the application
• Questions? Please email: [email protected]