EOU Reading Literacy Program: A Catalyst for Academic Success

EOU Reading Literacy Program: A Catalyst for Academic Success

La Grande, ORE. – Eastern Oregon University (EOU) has always been at the forefront of innovative education, and its continuing Reading Literacy program is no exception. 

Earlier this week, 26 trainees and 16 mentors gathered on the campus of Eastern Oregon University (EOU) in La Grande to kick off a three-week summer crash course in reading literacy. This intensive program aims to equip teachers from across Oregon with the skills and strategies needed to foster academic success in their students.

Originally spearheaded by Education Professor Ronda Fritz from EOU’s Education Faculty, the program is designed to equip teachers with the necessary tools and resources to foster literacy and academic success among K-12 students.

“This is our opportunity to lay a foundation for what teachers need to help students,” Gomez said. “The program gives teachers the tools and the resources to succeed.”

The Reading Literacy program, an evidence-based initiative, is closely tied with the Oregon Literacy Network and Early Literacy Framework. It brings together teachers, educators, reading specialists, and interventionists, all unified by a common goal: to improve literacy rates in Oregon, which has historically ranked low among the 50 states.

A Rigorous and Inclusive Training Program

The Reading Clinic, a core component of the program, is an intensive 10-week course that is condensed into a three-week crash course during the summer. It kicks off with an in-person orientation at EOU, where participants meet with mentors before transitioning to an online format for the remainder of the program. This hybrid approach ensures that teachers from even the most remote areas can benefit from the latest research and resources.

“The research is clear; we know what it takes, but haven’t always been given the tools,” Gomez emphasized.

The program’s comprehensive curriculum addresses various facets of literacy education, including oral language, phonology, phonics, word study, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. It is designed to help teachers understand and implement scientifically proven strategies that can significantly enhance students’ reading proficiency.

The Role of Mentors

A unique aspect of the Reading Literacy program is its mentorship component. Sixteen mentors, including EOU alumni like Morgan Rosecran, work closely with 26 trainees, offering guidance and support. Rosecran, a third-grade teacher and EOU graduate from Cove, Oregon, has firsthand experience with the program. She initially participated in the summer of 2023 and returned as a mentor this year.

“I just noticed as I was working with kids, the lack of curriculum to help students,” Rosecran said. “There’s a lot here I need to help my students improve and succeed.”

Rosecran highlighted the importance of the program for third graders, who are at a critical juncture in their academic journey. “By fourth grade, children read to learn, so having them be proficient readers is pivotal to their academic success,” she explained. The impact of the program has been particularly significant for students who started their education during the pandemic and are now catching up on essential literacy skills.

A Collaborative Effort for Lasting Impact

The program’s success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of EOU, local school districts, and the broader educational community. By incorporating the latest research and evidence-based practices, EOU is leading the way in transforming literacy education in Oregon. The program’s structure, which includes a facilitator guide for ongoing support, ensures that teachers can continue to apply and refine their skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.