# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
Tianna Sanchez
Director of K-12 ELA and MOWR

tianna.sanchez@azed.gov

Lauren Spenceley
Secondary ELA Specialist

lauren.spenceley@azed.gov

Maggie Velazquez
Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention Specialist

maggie.velazquez@azed.gov

Michele Rutin
Literacy Coach Coordinator

michele.rutin@azed.gov

Karen Ten Napel
K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist

karen.tennapel@azed.gov

Katie Lewis
K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist

katie.lewis@azed.gov

Holly Herriges
K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist

holly.herriges@azed.gov

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Subscribe to email list: https://www.azed.gov/standards-practices/english-language-arts-newsletter-subscription

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Virtual Indigenous Author Panel
Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Kick-off Native American Heritage Month with the Office of Indian Education and Arizona Humanities with a FREE virtual webinar featuring an expert moderator and three renowned Indigenous authors on November 1st at 5PM (MST).

~ELA PROFESSIONAL LEARNING~

Arizona Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy - now available!

Registration for these CURRENT courses are now available, throughout the year, until December 15th!

Don't forget that each knowledge block recommends a companion text. Please browse our Professional Development webpage for all details prior to registering. We have made a few updates to the page, so check it out!

Arizona's Reading Fundamentals K-5 Literacy Endorsement Part A

Considerable progress has been made with a series of knowledge blocks which will fulfill Part A of the required coursework for Arizona's K-5 educators. This learning path has a recommended anchor text for all knowledge blocks in the series, as well as a companion text. Please plan ahead and have these texts prior to starting your coursework.

Titles and ordering information is available on the Professional Learning webpage.

New Event Management System - APLD

Our Event Management System (EMS) has been upgraded to a NEW system called ADE Professional Learning and Development (APLD). Please use the below updated links and search terms to locate all ELA professional development opportunities. The old Event Management System is available as read-only, you will not be able to register for courses. All of your previous certificates are available in the new system. You can find helpful information on the APLD FAQ page.

To locate all ELA professional learning, visit the Academic Standards APLD section, use the Search for Courses in the upper right hand corner, and type the search term " K12-AS-ELA."

~IN THE WORLD OF DYSLEXIA~

Secondary ELA Upcoming PD

~SCIENCE OF READING NEWS~

The Reading Rope Strands

Each month, we've been highlighting one of the strands of Scarborough's Reading Rope. This month we are looking at the second strand under Word Recognition: Decoding.
is the ability to apply knowledge of letter-sound relationships, including knowledge of letter patterns, to correctly pronounce written words. https://www.readingrockets.org/node/30970
"Phonics instruction helps children learn the relationships between the letters of written language and the sounds of spoken language. Learning that there are predictable relationships between sounds and letters allows children to apply these relationships to both familiar and unfamiliar words and to begin to read with fluency Planning Standards-Aligned Instruction Within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports: Decoding Example (intensiveintervention.org)
." ReadingRockets.com
What is decoding and why is it important in reading instruction?

Decoding includes the alphabetic principle, spelling-sound correspondences (phonics), and syllable types.

Check out this infographic on decoding and phonics instruction and its implementation in the classroom and MTSS:

Visit all of our Literacy webpages!

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ADE K-12 ELA Updates - Upcoming PD and more! November 2023 by Lauren Spenceley M.Ed. - ADE | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, nonprofits, businesses and more

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1) Literacy Plan and Assessment Data window is open and closes Oct. 1.

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours every Tuesday in August 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information. These will be hosted weekly on each Tuesday of the month. There will not be an PD credit granted for these and registration is not required.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 281 557 486 454
Passcode: gxH2sm

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 480-420-4055,,499373574#   United States, Phoenix

Phone Conference ID: 499 373 574#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

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LETRS Admin and LETRS Early Childhood spots open!

All LETRS 3rd Edition spots currently filled.

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Copy of Pathways to Proficient Reading Course Slide

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The Foundations of Reading (190) test for Arizona assesses proficiency in and depth of understanding of the subject of reading and writing development. The test reflects scientifically based reading research.

Who Needs to Take the Test?

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-501.01 and Arizona Administrative Code R7-2-615, teachers who provide English language arts instruction to students in kindergarten through grade five are required to obtain a Literacy K-5 endorsement by August 1, 2028. The endorsement requires completion of coursework or training and passing an exam designed to ensure the educator has the knowledge and skills to: 1. Effectively teach foundational reading skills, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; 2. Implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials; and 3. Provide effective instruction and interventions for students with reading deficiencies, including students with characteristics of dyslexia. The Arizona State Board of Education adopted the Foundations of Reading assessment to meet the exam requirement for the Literacy K-5 endorsement.

Fee Waiver

Candidates who are Arizona residents and currently enrolled in an educator preparation program and incumbent teachers residing in Arizona who are seeking a Literacy K-5 endorsement will be eligible to receive a one-time fee waiver to take the Foundations of Reading assessment for free. You must have a valid Arizona mailing address (AZ P.O. Boxes are eligible) to qualify for this state-funded assessment fee waiver. The fee waiver will be automatically applied toward your assessment fee during the online registration process.

Test Information

Computer-Based Testing
By appointment, year round. Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Check seat availability .

Tests may include test questions that are being evaluated for future administrations and that do not affect a candidate's score.

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The Foundations of Reading (190) test for Arizona assesses proficiency in and depth of understanding of the subject of reading and writing development. The test reflects scientifically based reading research. Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes § 15-501.01 and Arizona Administrative Code R7-2-615, teachers who provide English language arts instruction to students in kindergarten through grade five are required to obtain a Literacy K-5 endorsement by August 1, 2028.

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In this FREE VIRTUAL COLLABORATIVE webinar, educators will: examine and break down the 6-12th grade writing standards for the production and distribution of writing and explore evidence-based best practices for assessing student writing.

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August 28th, 2024 4:30-5:45 PM MST - Register for August 28th!

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This year, you don't have to register in advance. Just click the link below and join us:

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 241 483 637 990

Passcode: gf2xwY

Dial in by phone

+1 480-420-4055,,294241218# United States, Phoenix

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 294 241 218#

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

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AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary - Opportunities for ADE-funded Cohorts for SY24-25!

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AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary - Opportunities for ADE-funded Cohorts for SY24-25!

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We have the opportunity to provide virtual cohorts of the AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary professional learning course to Arizona educators (over $800 value). This course includes over 55 hours of literacy learning for secondary educators.

If you and/or your district/charter is interested in receiving this training please fill out this interest form as soon as possible, so that we can ascertain interest and dates. AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary Interest Form SY24-25

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PAASPort: https://standards.azed.gov/

ADEL: https://adel.azed.gov/

# data[].attributes.body
sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

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24-25 K-12 Literacy Office Hours Sign In Sheet.docx

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Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

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Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available! Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

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Dyslexia Training Designee Grant-FY2025

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In this FREE VIRTUAL COLLABORATIVE webinar, educators will: examine and break down the 6-12th grade writing standards for the production and distribution of writing and explore evidence-based best practices for assessing student writing.

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September 30th, 2024 4:30-6:00 PM MST - Register for September 30th!

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Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!

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Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!

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The Office of Indian Education and Academic Standards are partnering to bring you the third annual Indigenous Literacy Project, a three-event professional learning series promoting culturally responsive teaching practices utilizing Indigenous text.

To register and for the most up-to-date information on the Indigenous Literacy Project, join the Padlet https://padlet.com/indianeducation/upcoming-professional-learning-opportunities-from-the-office-n4qv9afown56dma

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Special Guest: Denella Kirkland, Director of Professional Learning, OELAS

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Special Guest: Denella Kirkland, Director of Professional Learning, OELAS

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Professional Development for Educators of English Learners (ELs)

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Professional Learning for Instructional Leaders and Educators of ELsTips for Registering for Agency Events and MeetingsAPLD is Arizona’s Professional Learning and Development ApplicationFor event and training registration, you can use the individual links, included below, which will add the session to your “shopping cart” and lead you to check-out.

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-Informational session on how to apply for the Dyslexia Training Grant in GME

-November 7th from 2-3 PM

-Please reach out to Katie Lewis at katie.lewis@azed.gov with any questions.

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What is the Science of Reading?

The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. (The Reading League)

The Science of Reading is built on two fundamental truths:

1. We were never born to read. Our brains are hardwired for speech, not print.

2. The alphabetic principle is the foundation of our alphabetic writing system. It is fundamentally different from pictograph and logograph systems.

What the Science of Reading is not:

an ideology or philosophy

a fad, trend, new idea, or pendulum swing

a political agenda

a one-size-fits-all approach

a program of instruction

a single, specific component of instruction, such as phonics

Click here for The Science of Reading: Defining Guide from The Reading League!
Download the Science of Reading infographic here.
Watch a 3-minute "elevator speech" about the Science of Reading, as explained by Dr. Stephanie Stollar.

Want to learn more?

Take one of our courses to learn more about the science of reading, especially the Evidence-Based Decision Making Course, which directly aligns and supports learning in the science of reading and the shifts to structured literacy.
Literacy Professional Learning
AZ State Literacy Instruction Plans

We are so happy you are here to learn more about the Science of Reading!
We would love to hear your feedback on this page so that we know what you need and how we can support you in your understanding of how the brain learns to read.

Please take a moment to complete a simple survey by clicking the Feedback button.

**The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is the Science of Reading? AS_ELA_Science-of-Reading-Logo-2023.png_(20230421) The Science of Reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world, and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages.

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Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available! Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

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Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!

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Literacy learning in partnership with the Office of Indian Education!

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Special Guest: Lori Masseur, Early Learning Director, Read On Arizona

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Special Guest: Lori Masseur, Early Learning Director, Read On Arizona

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Stay Informed/Connect as a Resource

Sign up to receive timely early literacy information. Please select Organization from the first drop down and complete the short form if you would like to be included in the Resource Connect section on our website.
*Note: Organizations will be confirmed prior to listing; Read On Arizona reserves the right not to include an organization.

Founding Partners

For a complete list of collaborative partners click here.

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Read On Arizona is our state's early literacy collective impact initiative, with strategic focus on school readiness and third-grade reading.

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LitHubAZ | Evidence-Based Literacy Strategies Resources Arizona

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LitHubAZ is an Arizona-based orgination that uses evidence-based literacy strategies and resources to support student achievement.

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Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

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Michele, Tianna, Holly, and Maggie, along with several of our Foundational Literacy Coaches, are in Oklahoma City at the Excel in Ed National Summit! https://excelined.org/national-summit/

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Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information. These will be hosted once a month on the second Tuesday of the month. There will not be an PD credit granted for these and registration is not required.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 281 557 486 454
Passcode: gxH2sm

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 480-420-4055,,499373574#   United States, Phoenix

Phone Conference ID: 499 373 574#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

# data[].attributes.body
1) Literacy Plan and Assessment Data window is open and closes Oct. 1.

2.) Error in the PD section of MOWR Portal. Error message populates if approver tries to save. However, if information is added to PD section and submitted, then no error message occurs, and plan submits successfully.

3.) Vetted core reading programs- Keep open lines of communication with your MOWR reviewer if using a non-vetted program.

4.) Literacy plans are reviewed in the order they are received.

5.) New rubric for feedback.

6.) DTD training will begin when Maggie Velazquez returns in November.

7.) MOWR inbox- Holly

Join Tianna Sanchez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday in September 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information. These will be hosted once a month on the second Tuesday of the month. There will not be an PD credit granted for these and registration is not required.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 281 557 486 454
Passcode: gxH2sm

Download Teams | Join on the web

Or call in (audio only)

+1 480-420-4055,,499373574#   United States, Phoenix

Phone Conference ID: 499 373 574#

Find a local number | Reset PIN

Learn More | Meeting options

# data[].attributes.body
1.) Reviewing literacy plans in the order they were received.

2.) Overdue notices have been sent.

3.) Middle of year data due Feb. 1.

4.) New portal pilot continues to move forward.

# data[].attributes.body
Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
1.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available! Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

2.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but it's still a valuable training.

3.) Facilitator Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025

4.) Facilitator Cohort 2 will begin Summer 2025

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Waitlist form:

https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

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Copy of Pathways to Proficient Reading Course Slide

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1.) Reviewing literacy plans in the order they were received.

2.) Overdue notices have been sent.

3.) Beginning of year window has closed and will now need a manual submission.

4.) Middle of year data due Feb. 1.

5.) New portal pilot continues to move forward.

# data[].attributes.body
Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

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Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

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1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we will start monthly Office Hours Support in January.

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will begin Summer 2025.

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Waitlist form:

https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

# data[].attributes.body
Register: https://azed.geniussis.com/PublicWelcome.aspx

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Special Guests: Sophie Allen-Etchart and Erika Fallon, Read Better Be Better

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Special Guests: Sophie Allen-Etchart and Erika Fallon, Read Better Be Better

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Read Better Be Better’s mission is to connect young readers and youth leaders to inspire a love of literacy and learning.

# data[].attributes.body
Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

# data[].attributes.body
1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administration training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we will start monthly Office Hours Support on January 23rd from 1-2pm.

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11.

# data[].attributes.body
1) MOY data window is open and due Feb. 1.

2) New portal coming SY26, updated Guidance Documents and trainings offered in July.

3) MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday of every month.

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

# data[].attributes.body
Funding is listed on website

Funds have been processed and have been pushed through to counties - so schools should receive soon

Money can be spent on anything literacy-related

No requirements to receive funds but an annual report is required

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

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Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

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Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

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Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

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The Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy course is currently FULL. Please fill out the waitlist form: https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

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QRCode for Wait List for Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structure Literacy  (3)

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For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

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Bright Spots with Tianna: MOWR Annual Report

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Bright Spots with Tianna: MOWR Annual Report

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Visit Move On When Reading, and scroll down to "MOWR Annual Reports" to find the report for 2024.

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2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

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2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

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Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

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Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

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Waitlist for K-5 Literacy Endorsement Course-Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy, K-5

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The Pathways to Proficient Reading with Pathways to Structured Literacy course is currently FULL. We are working on opening enrollment and should be adding participants from the waitlist soon. Participants must have an active account in APLD to be enrolled. Please fill out the waitlist form: https://forms.office.com/r/pt1XQdEZAD

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1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administrators training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we have started monthly Office Hours Support and will hold our next meeting on February 20th from 1-2pm. (download the flyer below)

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11. There are spots available; participants must have completed LETRS 3rd Ed. and passed all assessments with a score of 80% or greater.

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For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

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Register: https://azed.geniussis.com/PublicWelcome.aspx

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Discount Flyer: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2025/01/LiteracyInterventionintheMiddleGrades.pdf

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AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading – Secondary - Interest Form https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nrDUGhF5WB

Adolescent Literacy Document Updates https://forms.microsoft.com/r/12fpSaZHPz

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Special Guests: Dr. Anju Kuriakose, Director of Psychometrics, ADE Assessment team

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Special Guests: Dr. Anju Kuriakose, Director of Psychometrics, ADE Assessment team

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The Assessments Section is responsible for statewide assessment of students enrolled in Arizona public schools. The section works closely with educators in the development and administration of statewide assessments. All Arizona public schools, including district schools and charter schools, are required to properly administer state and federally mandated assessments.

Calendars for Statewide Testing

2022-2023 Statewide Assessments Infographics

For information about the Kindergarten Entry Assessment, please visit the Early Childhood Kindergarten Entry Assessment webpage.

Friday Focus Webinars 2022-2023

State Assessments

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The Assessments Section is responsible for statewide assessment of students enrolled in Arizona public schools. The section works closely with educators in the development and administration of statewide assessments. All Arizona public schools, including district schools and charter schools, are required to properly administer state and federally mandated assessments.

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Sign In Sheet for this year - sign in only once, and you won't have to again!

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1) MOY data window is open and was due Feb. 1.

2) New portal coming SY26, updated Guidance Documents and trainings offered in July.

3) MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday of every month (April 8).

Join Maggie Velazquez for MOWR Office Hours the second Tuesday every month 1:00-2:00 pm! This is an open time to ask questions, get support or hear of any new information.

Click here to join the meeting!

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1.) There are no more LETRS 3rd Edition licenses available.

2.) Early Childhood and LETRS for Administrators training spots still available (these do not meet the K-5 Literacy Endorsement requirements). Email Karen.Tennapel@azed.gov

3.) LETRS for Admin will not have any more live sessions, but we have started monthly Office Hours Support and will hold our next meeting on February 20th from 1-2pm. (download the flyer below)

4.) LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Training Cohort 1 will complete their training May 2025 & LETRS 3rd Edition Facilitator Cohort 2 will be July 8-11. There are spots available; participants must have completed LETRS 3rd Ed. and passed all assessments with a score of 80% or greater.

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The required annual report has been updated in the EMAC system

Funds can be spent on anything literacy-related and should be based on the science of reading research

Questions or need support email: holly.herriges@azed.gov

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The Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

October: Amended Early Literacy Grant Awards are submitted to the State Board of Education for Approval.

November: Early Literacy Grant Awards reach LEAs.

June: All schools submit the Annual Report. The form to complete the Annual Report is now housed in EMAC. Please log into ADEConnect to access EMAC. See guidance documents below for more details.

Historical Information

The Early Literacy Grant Program originated during the 2017-2018 academic year with an $8 million appropriation from the legislature. This program was designed to be administered to schools with at least a 90% free and reduced lunch population and funds were to be used for K-3 literacy programs and full-day Kindergarten. It originally allowed for participating schools to receive available funding throughout a three-year grant cycle provided all requirements were met. At this time there were 242 eligible schools, of which 175 schools elected to participate. Year two of the grant began in the 2018-2019 academic year and a $12 million appropriation from the legislature was included for all 242 eligible schools. To comply with the legislation and maintain the integrity of the grant program for the participating schools, the eligibility list of schools from the previous academic year were used to determine the funding for the next academic year. Moving forward, eligibility will be determined on an annual basis provided the continuation of funding. Because the Early Literacy Grant is an entitlement program, there is no application required for participation. However, each school that receives Early Literacy Grant funds is required to submit an Annual Report by June 1st of each calendar year.

The report must include information related to the following:

Summary of the school's funded activities

The school's progress toward achievement goals

Specific findings on grant-funded strategies and activities

The level of effectiveness in improving reading proficiency

While both the Early Literacy Grant and Move On When Reading address K-3 literacy, they are separate endeavors. All schools with K-3 students are required to submit Move On When Reading literacy plans according to the legislated timeline, even if they are also receiving the Early Literacy Grant.

Updates for FY23

The Early Literacy Grant was renewed with twelve million dollars in funding for the fiscal year 2023 (FY23). Per the legislation, schools are eligible to receive funding by meeting the following criteria:

1. Serve kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and/or third-grade students

2. Have 90% or more of their students eligible for Free and Reduced Lunch
Eligible schools are determined based upon the claim data from October 2019 as reported to the ADE Health and Nutrition Division by each LEA. This list was cross-referenced with the AzEDS Student Level and Free and Reduced Lunch data from the 2019-2020 school year to ensure all schools were captured. The use of 2019 data helps account for discrepancies due to changes in the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID.

Schools that meet the criteria and will receive funding will be notified in September, with funds delivered to budgets in October/November. Additional notifications will be sent in the Spring as a reminder to complete the annual report due on June 1. Please see Funding and Usage for more information on how to use ELG Funds.

Funding and Usage

1. ELG funding amounts to, on average, $150.00 per K-3 student per school
ELG funding is allotted at the school level and may not be used for non-eligible schools in the same district/charter system

2. ELG funding is to be used to support all day kindergarten and/or K-3 reading.
Similar to Move On When Reading (MOWR) funding, ELG funding can be used in any of the following large buckets:

1. K-3 Reading: Staffing

2. K-3 Reading: Instructional Materials

3. This includes curricula, materials such as a reading table, and/or technology used to support reading.

4. K-3 Reading: Assessment Materials

5. K-3 Reading: Professional Development

3. Because final funding amounts are determined by ADM, ELG funding has typically been provided in one payment to schools in Oct/Nov of the school year.

1. Please note that the funding amounts listed in the eligibility document are ESTIMATES to provide you with a ballpark of FY23 funding. The final amounts will be determined and provided in October.

2. Funds are included in the Operating Budget typically denoted in 'Other State Funds.'

4. The ELG does allow carryover of funds for one year.

Guidance Documents and Resources

EMAC Administrator Support
EMAC is a new system housed within ADE Connect and where all reporting will occur for the ELG. Please use this document to help add EMAC to user profiles.

Early Literacy Grant Assignment and Task Guidance Document
Please use this document to assign the ELG task to individual schools, assign EMAC users and to complete the required documentation required each year by June 1st.

Early Literacy Grant Annual Report Guidance
The annual report is due June 1, 2023. This document shares the requirements and needed information to complete the form within EMAC.
ESSA Tiers of Evidence
In 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act replaced No Child Left Behind. ESSA empowers states to better identify and support the needs of their schools. Beginning in 2017-2018, the K-3 reading programs used by schools must meet the ESSA criteria for being evidence-based. To receive MOWR and any federal funding (Title 1, etc.) programs must meet one of the top three tiers of evidence (Strong, Moderate, or Promising).

**For more information on ESSA, including videos and other guidance, please visit the MOWR for Administrators page, and go to the blue bar titled "ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act)".

Previous Annual Early Literacy Grant Reports

Previous ELG reports are shared below as a reference:

Contact Information: Karen Ten Napel, K-5 Literacy and Dyslexia Specialist, 602.542.2971

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Early Literacy GrantThe Early Literacy Grant (ELG) is literacy focused funding for eligible schools serving our most at-risk populations in grades Kindergarten through third grade. These funds support current literacy goals and initiatives of the school to increase literacy proficiency of students.

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For all PD opportunities, visit: https://www.azed.gov/mowr/mowr-professional-development

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2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

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2025 Teachers Institute and Leading Change Conference

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Teachers' Institute and Leading Change Conference | Arizona Department of Education

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The Arizona Department of Education English Language Arts team will be back on the road with the Arizona Literacy Road Show this June! Join us at a location near you!

REGISTRATION coming soon!

Dates/Locations:

Tempe – June 17

Yuma – June 19

Coolidge – June 24

Flagstaff – June 26

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Secondary Book Study - Starts March 20th!

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Secondary Book Study - Starts March 20th!

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Discount Flyer: https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2025/01/LiteracyInterventionintheMiddleGrades.pdf

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AIM Pathways to Proficient Reading – Secondary - Interest Form https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nrDUGhF5WB

Adolescent Literacy Document Updates https://forms.microsoft.com/r/12fpSaZHPz

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This opportunity sponsored by the PDG grant includes:

1. a required 3-hour training (in person in Central Phoenix and virtual will be offered) on how to use Good Talking Words.

2. a kit (manual, posters, cards, reproducibles valued at $100).

All in-person training will be facilitated by Good Talking Words’ author, Lucy Hart Paulson.

In-person training options (Central Phoenix):

March 20 – 8:30

March 20- 12:30

March 21 – 8:30

March 21- 12:30

Teachers, please complete this registration form to secure your kit and training session. Once registration forms are received, we will send confirmation emails and calendar invites directly to the teachers.  Sessions are first come, first served. If sessions fill, we will reach out for other dates.

For more information on Good Talking Words, please visit their website at Good Talking Words - Social Communication Skills for PreK-1.

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P-3 Leadership Certificate Program -- Starts June 2025

To support administrators and leaders of the early grades, we are pleased to open applications to the 2025-26 P-3 Leadership Certificate Program. Now in its fifth year, the fully on-line program provides a rich curriculum grounded in child development, teaching and learning to support young learners, and both school- and district-wide strategies to ensure early learning and the early grades establish a sturdy foundation for school success. The Program also engages numerous practitioner-experts from across the country to provide the most current perspectives on this work.

Delivered over a 10-month period, the Program is designed to engage elementary school principals, school district administrators, and early care and education (ECE) leaders.

Enrollment is open to individuals or teams. Applications are due May 1; the Program begins June 1, 2025.

We will host a series of information sessions via Zoom to provide a real-time overview of the Program and answer any questions. Click here to view the dates/times and to register to attend.

For more information or to apply: Certificate, P-3 Leadership