Administrators
Each school literacy plan reports the K-3 literacy efforts to be implemented in the coming school year. Per A.R.S 15-704, schools report the K-3 evidence-based core and intervention reading programs, comprehensive assessment systems, professional development, as well as copies of each grade’s ELA block schedule, required parent notifications, and MOWR allocation spending. Find helpful documents in each tab below to assist you in the MOWR Literacy Plan submission process, as well as your own system-wide literacy processes.
K-3 Literacy Plan Checklist Approval criteria for each component of the literacy plan.
Essential Components of a Literacy Plan Two-page info-sheet covering all essential components of a literacy plan; core and intervention systems, assessment plan, professional development, parent notifications, and reading schedules.
School and District/Charter Responsibilities List of the key responsibilities of MOWR school-level and LEA-level approvers.
As a local control state, schools and districts have the liberty to select curriculum and instructional materials that they feel best meet the needs of their student population.
However, A.R.S. 15-704 requires all schools and charters that serve any K-3 students to adopt an instructional curriculum which meets select criteria.
- Aligned to standards
- Address the essential components of reading
- ESSA evidence-based at one of the top three tiers
Vendors used across the state submitted information (in the table below) which may or may not meet the legislative criteria and listed requirements.
- Programs in green meet all criteria.
- Programs in yellow meet some criteria and may be under current additional review.
- Note that there are new programs currently performing an efficacy study.
- Programs in red do not currently meet legislation and should not be adopted for use with K-3 students in Arizona.
Each year, ADE re-reviews all products to ensure materials maintain these standards. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each schools’ leadership and literacy team to ensure curriculum in use continues to meet the highest standards. It is the goal of the Arizona Department of Education and Move on When Reading team to assist LEAs in the decision-making process for all curricular materials.
Understanding ESSA evidence provisions and MOWR legislation is an important step in the decision-making process. ADE requires that all programs qualify for one of the top three ESSA tiers of evidence and show a statistically significant positive effect on a relevant outcome. It is also important to consider the local context, especially the grade levels and demographics for which the studies’ student population were conducted, in determining if a program is the right fit for any LEA or school. Below are some resources that may help LEAs in the decision-making process.
- Understanding the ESSA Tiers of Evidence Video and handout
- Reading a study
- Assessing the body of evidence for a particular intervention
- Evaluating evidence to align with current needs/wants/context
For more information on ESSA, open the blue ESSA tab below on this webpage.
Literacy Plan Update:
All core programs previously in the MOWR drop-down were commonly used programs and had not been vetted for ESSA evidence. As always, it has been up to the schools to determine if curriculum used meets legislative requirements. To assist in this process, however, the MOWR team has reached out to vendors directly to request additional information that will be helpful for districts when making this determination. All information provided in the table is directly from the vendors and is reported as is. Programs by vendors currently completing their studies have not been added to the MOWR portal but may be added at any time once criteria has been confirmed by the vendor.
When completing this year’s literacy plan, LEA approvers should select “*Core program under review or without establish ESSA rating” and type current programs in the notes section at the aggregate district/charter level.
While ADE used the information provided by vendors to determine if they met the criteria, it is the responsibility of districts and charters to gather and review information to inform their decisions about what programs will meet their unique needs.
*Revised and republished 8/17/2021
The information included in the chart has been gathered directly from vendors/publishers of core program materials. The Literacy Team at the Arizona Department of Education provides this information as a resource. Although only one study has been linked in the table, it is recommended that all additional studies available be reviewed, as well. LEAs must choose programs that meet their specific needs and must make certain those programs meet the criteria of the law (ARS 15-704: J1-3).
As a local control state, schools and districts have the liberty to select curriculum and instructional materials that they feel best meet the needs of their student population.
However, A.R.S. 15-704 requires all schools and charters that serve any K-3 students to adopt instructional curriculum and intervention which meets select criteria. Intervention programs used with K-3 students in Arizona must meet one of the top three evidence tiers, as defined by ESSA.
Vendors used across the state submitted information (in the table below) which may or may not meet the legislative criteria and listed requirements.
- Programs in green meet all criteria.
- Programs in yellow meet some criteria and may be under current additional review.
- Note that there are new programs currently performing an efficacy study.
- Programs in red do not currently meet legislation and should not be adopted for use with K-3 students in Arizona.
Blue – These programs have been labeled “Supplemental” by the vendor. They are to be used in conjunction with a Tier 1 program to enhance areas of core curriculum. These are not marketed as stand-alone programs for targeted Tier 2/3 intervention and other choices may be more impactful.
Each year, ADE re-reviews all products to ensure materials maintain these standards. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each schools’ leadership and literacy team to ensure interventions in use continue to meet the highest standards. It is the goal of the Arizona Department of Education and Move on When Reading team to assist LEAs in the decision-making process for all curricular and intervention materials.
Understanding ESSA evidence provisions and MOWR legislation is an important step in the decision-making process. ADE requires that all programs qualify for one of the top three ESSA tiers of evidence and show a statistically significant positive effect on a relevant outcome. It is also important to consider the local context, especially the grade levels and demographics for which the studies’ student population were conducted, in determining if a program is the right fit for any LEA or school. Below are some resources that may help LEAs in the decision-making process.
- Understanding the ESSA Tiers of Evidence Video and handout
- Reading a study
- Assessing the body of evidence for a particular intervention
- Evaluating evidence to align with current needs/wants/context
- For more information on ESSA, open the blue ESSA tab below on this webpage.
Literacy Plan Update:
All intervention programs previously in the MOWR drop-down were commonly used programs and had not been vetted for ESSA evidence. As always, it has been up to the schools to determine if curriculum used meets legislative requirements. To assist in this process, however, the MOWR team has reached out to vendors directly to request additional information that will be helpful for districts when making this determination. All information provided in the table is directly from the vendors and is reported as is. Programs by vendors currently completing their studies have not been added to the MOWR portal but may be added at any time once criteria has been confirmed by the vendor.
When completing this year’s literacy plan, LEA approvers should select “*Tier 2/3 program under review or without establish ESSA rating” and type current programs in the notes section at the aggregate district/charter level.
While ADE used the information provided by vendors to determine if they met the criteria, it is the responsibility of districts and charters to gather and review information to inform their decisions about what programs will meet their unique needs.
Intervention/Supplemental Reading Programs
Revised and republished 8/19/21
The information included in the chart has been gathered directly from vendors/publishers of intervention materials. The Literacy Team at the Arizona Department of Education provides this information as a resource. Although only one study has been linked in the table, it is recommended that all additional studies available be reviewed, as well. LEAs must choose programs that meet their specific needs and must make certain those programs meet the criteria of the law (ARS 15-704: J1-3).
Intensive Intervention & Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) The National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) outlines intensive intervention and the MTSS process in which schools and districts can align their practices for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 interventions. LEAs can gleam information from the research study presented by the NCII and tailor its findings to their practices.
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).
Becoming an ESSA Investigator: A Webinar Series
Welcome/Introduction Video: Welcome to our ESSA Video Series
Video #1: Why ESSA In Arizona
Video #2: Overview of ESSA Evidence Levels | Materials from video: Handout 1 | Handout 2 | Handout 3 | Video
Video #3: Evidence-Based Improvement
Video #4: Using Clearinghouses | Links from video: Evidence for ESSA | What Works Clearinghouse | ERIC
Video #5: How to Read a Study | Materials from the video: Handout 1
Video #6: Exploring the Body of Evidence for a Selected Program
Video #7: Comparing Information
Video #8: Coming Soon!
K-3 MOWR Assessment Requirements
A.R.S §15-704 (A.) requires each school district or charter school that provides instruction in K-3 to select and administer screening, ongoing diagnostic and classroom-based instructional reading assessments, to monitor student progress. Each school shall use the diagnostic information to plan evidence-based appropriate and effective instruction and intervention. Learn more about the specific purpose and administration of each assessment type and how they apply to Move On When Reading. Click on the interactive document. Move On When Reading Assessment Requirements
Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener
Guide for Arizona's K-3 Schools/Districts This comprehensive guide is intended to assist school and district leaders with the literacy MTSS process, including ADE's guidance on the use of literacy screening to include the screening for characteristics consistent with dyslexia.
2021-2022 Approved Screeners During 2021-2022, schools are reviewing and selecting a screener from the Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener list, with full implementation by July 1, 2022. This screening process meets both Move On When Reading and Dyslexia legislation, and will be the tool used to complete the MOWR Literacy Plan and assessment data submission for fall, winter, and spring.
Collection of Assessments for Exemption to Retention
Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, A.R.S §15-701 added a new exemption to retention for any 3rd grader who failed to meet the cut score for the reading portion of the statewide exam. A school can use a collection of reading assessments that demonstrate a student's sufficient reading skills in order to determine that promotion is appropriate. These valid assessments must meet a set of six criteria determined by the State Board of Education.
Video explaining criteria for Collection of Assessments Exemption
Criteria for Valid Literacy Assessment for Use with the Collection of Assessments
Targeted Summer School Intervention Guidance
Professional Development Guidance Per A.R.S §15-704 (D), all school districts and charter schools that offer instruction in kindergarten programs and grades one through three shall provide ongoing teacher training based on evidence-based reading research.
Literacy Plan PD Sample Sample of brief narratives describing current year’s professional development plans for Tier 1 instruction, Tier 2/3 Interventions, Assessment, and Data Analysis
Reading Block Schedules
At all times throughout any given K-3 school year, all children receive 90+ minutes (or 450+ minutes per week) of high-quality instruction from an ESSA evidence-based core reading program (Tier 1) in whole group and differentiated small group. This core reading block is dedicated to reading standards. All schools are required to submit their core reading block schedule directly within the literacy plan. The schedule should reflect Tier 1 minutes for each K-3 grade level served, including additional intervention periods outside the Tier 1 block.
RECOMMENDED MINUTES OF INSTRUCTION FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
For both the daily and weekly schedule, reading and language arts activities should be incorporated into other instructional areas, and rich content should be incorporated into reading and language arts. These decisions are made at the local level based on student need.
DEFINING THE INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR
The purpose of these policies and procedures is to provide guidance to all school districts and charter districts throughout the State of Arizona on the rules and regulations, including Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) which must be followed in the reporting of information to the School Finance Unit of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE). These include calendar requirements, minimum annual school days, scheduling limitations, and minimum instructional time. Visit the School Finance External Guidelines page for more information.
Parent Notification
School districts and charter schools must provide annual written notification to parents of students in grades K-3 informing them of Arizona's Move on When Reading laws.
Letter 1 is sent to all parents of students in grades K-3 upon entry and should include:
- Information about AZ's Move on When Reading law and third-grade retention policies
- Legislative exemptions to retention
Letter 2 is sent to parents of all K-3 students who have been identified as reading below grade level on the beginning of year, middle of year, and/or end of year Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener. All K-3 students are screened at least 3 times a year for potential reading difficulties.
This at-risk parent letter should include:
- Description of the student's current needs
- Description of the interventions available to remediate the reading deficiencies
- Legislative remedial strategies
- Parental strategies to support reading proficiency at home
- Notification about the promotion/retention legislation (MOWR)
At-risk Parent Letter-English (letter only)
At-risk Parent Letter-English (Strategies only)
At-risk Parent Letter-English (letter + Strategies)
At-risk Parent Letter-Spanish (letter only)
At-risk Parent Letter-Spanish (Strategies only)
At-risk Parent Letter-Spanish (letter + Strategies)
MOWR Budget
The LEA Literacy Plan requires each district to report the amount of funding received for K-3 literacy for the previous school year and to estimate the amount that will be received for the current school year. Please click on the link below to look up this information for your district/charter.
If you have any questions about K-3 reading funds, please contact [email protected] or 602-364-2262.
MOWR Allocations
Each year's previous and current school year's MOWR allocations are available to view on the MOWR Home Page. This information is only needed by the LEA Approver at the Final Requirements section of the aggregate literacy plan.
MOWR Funding 101
MOWR allocations are intended to improve reading proficiency for pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three with particular emphasis on pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one and two. Click on MOWR Funding 101 to see how these funds can and should be spent.
RESOURCES
| Balanced Assessment Framework: The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) emphasizes the need for a balanced assessment system. The analysis of an assessment system begins with establishing common definitions and common understandings of the purpose of each different type of assessment. | |
| Developing a Thriving Reader From the Early Years: A Continuum of Effective Literacy Practices is a guide for practitioners provided by the Read On Arizona Organization. It can be a key piece to helping you write your literacy plan. All components in an effective literacy plan are described in this pamphlet. | |
| The Dyslexia Handbook is designed for teachers and administrators to help them recognize and address the struggles of students with dyslexia. Educators at all levels must have a deep understanding of reading to pinpoint gaps in student learning. This document also provides technical assistance to support families. | |
| Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) is a multidisciplinary research center at Florida State University. FCRR explores all aspects of reading research—basic research into literacy-related skills for typically developing readers and those who struggle, studies of effective prevention and intervention, and psychometric work on formative assessment. | |
| In Arizona, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is defined as a coherent continuum of system-wide, data-based problem solving practices supporting a rapid response to the academic and behavioral needs for all students. Within AZMTSS, instruction/intervention is delivered across multiple tiers depending on individual student needs as identified by student outcome data. | |
| Read On Arizona is a statewide, public/private partnership of agencies, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders committed to creating an effective continuum of services to improve language and literacy outcomes for Arizona’s children from birth through age eight over the next ten years. | |
| Reading Rockets is a website that provides articles, blogs, research, and strategies on teaching reading and helping struggling readers. |
**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.
MOWR Spotlight of the Month
Received by Jamie Festa-Daigle, on behalf of Lake Havasu Unified District
2021-22 Literacy Plan Professional Development
Assessment PD: Teachers are provided 6 hours of trainings focused on building their assessment and data literacy to gather accurate information about student achievement. Teachers are taught how to use the district's balanced and comprehensive assessment system to provide data that guides instruction. They use Amplify along with DnA to collect summative and formative data about student progress. Our PD providers are Illuminate DnA, Amplify, and our awesome team of coaches and interventionists. We have five coaches this year (curriculum, assessment, technology, professional development, and math).
Data Analysis PD: Teachers are trained by interventionists to analyze data of individual students to identify specific skills to address through intensive reading interventions. Teachers are taught how to use multiple measures of summative and formative data to diagnose learning needs, provide descriptive feedback, and plan the next steps in instruction.
Posted with permission: October 20, 2021
