Early Literacy Framework Guides Oregon Educators to Success
In November 2021, the Oregon State Department of Education updated its Early Literacy Framework to create a stronger foundation for K–5 readers and writers. Recognizing that Oregon was not meeting its literacy promise for Oregon students, Gov. Tina Kotek named early literacy as one of her education priorities and a focus for ESSER funding.
“The purpose of the revised framework is to build statewide coherence, clarity, and common ground; fuel action and improvements; support districts and schools in the implementation of a comprehensive literacy vision and plan; and serve as a north star for educators, leaders, and community.”
Oregon’s Early Literacy Framework: A Strong Foundation for Readers and Writers (K–5)
The State’s Vision
For students to learn to read, write, speak, and listen proficiently, they must have access to research- and evidence-based literacy instruction, including culturally responsive curriculum materials. In addition, K–5 teachers must be trained in how to deliver instruction in a sequential, explicit way so students master foundational literacy skills that prepare them for life.
The state’s early literacy framework provides a road map for educators about how to teach literacy in a way that aligns with best practices from the science of reading and proven instructional strategies. Even with research-based instruction and trained literacy teachers, state leaders believe it is essential for students to feel they belong and are safe to develop reading and writing proficiency. Also key to success is family support for the process.
Guiding Principles
Guiding principles include:
- Literacy begins at birth
- Families and communities strengthen school-based learning
- Every child is full of literary promise
- Foundational skills matter
- Every student can be taught to read and write
- Multilingualism benefits everyone
- Educator knowledge and classroom practices are essential
Literacy teachers can be more effective when they use high-quality, evidence-based curriculum materials in their instruction. The ability to trust that materials have been developed by recognized experts in the field gives teachers confidence they are doing their best to meet the unique needs of their students.
To be successful, literacy curricula must use research-aligned strategies in the classroom daily. Aligned with the science of reading, Voyager Sopris Learning’s instructional programs encompass best practices that work with students through systematic and explicit instruction.
Teachers can build early reading skills with Sound Partners. This program is a research-based tutoring program that provides individual instruction for K–2 students learning foundational skills and students in grades 2–3 who need intervention.
Voyager Passport® is a reading intervention for grades K–5. Through a blended, teacher-led format in the five essential components of reading, plus language and writing, Voyager Passport accelerates student literacy achievement by targeting critical skills students need to become fluent readers.
Both Sound Partners and Voyager Passport can be used for high-dosage tutoring or intervention.
Power Readers is a collection of 28 decodable stories with pre- and post-reading skill-building activities. As the stories progress, students systematically build phonological awareness, decoding, word recognition, morphology, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.
Building on the alphabetic code learned in Power Readers, students move on to Supercharged Readers, 37 decodable and controlled chapter books. An intentional sequence helps students build on syllabic and morphemic principles so they can access increasingly challenging texts. This reading series is designed for students in grades 1–2 but can be used for strategic or intensive reading practice for students in grades 1–4.
Both sets of readers can be used in the classroom or as part of home-based literacy efforts or a summertime program. Unlimited practice hones students’ skills and builds fluency.
All of these resources support Oregon’s K–5 early literacy initiative to create more proficient readers.
