In this episode, Kathleen and Benton speak with Vanessa Worthington and Nicole Harris (POPFASD's Literacy team), and Myra-Jade Lui (POPARD Literacy coordinator). They discuss the literacy initiatives undertaken the Provincial Outreach Programs during the 2024-25 school. Ways to support learning for both typical and neurodivergent learners are discussed. As well, both POPFASD and POPARD have collected information from teachers and classrooms across B.C. about literacy practices and sharing this information in many formatsResources:
POPCON links
For the first time, B.C. Provincial Outreach Programs joined together to present workshops on literacy on the Provincial NID.Oct. 25, 2024. This is formation is available as a replay. https://www.popcon.ca/replay.html
Given their success a second day is scheduled, Oct, 24 2025 https://popcon.ca/2025/
CrossCurrents TIE-BC
Myra-Jade Lui and Doug Abbot are also presenting both in-person and virtually at the Cross Currents Conference, Oct 24th 2025. This aims to provide educators with an overview of how literacy instruction can be achieved or supported with different AACs. CrossCurrents TIE-BChttps://www.crosscurrentsconference.ca/in-person/workshops-in-person?track=in-person
Ministry of Education and Childcare Screening
Ministry of Education and Childcare has released information regarding screening our students for potential challenges which might impact literacy.
Early Literacy Screening FAQsHttps://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/support/diverse-student-needs/learning-supports/early-literacy-screening-faq.pdf
Early Literacy Screening Tools Resource:Https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/kindergarten-to-grade-12/support/diverse-student-needs/learning-supports/early-literacy-screening-tools-resource.pdf
Dyslexia Canada also provides information regarding universal screening: (Universal Screening — Dyslexia Canada)
POPARD Literacy Lab!
POPARD has some great resources at their literacy lab. They also created some wonderful videos of the hands-on work being done by B.C. educators across B.C. These are highlighted in Reading ReelsReading Reels - POPARD https://autismoutreach.ca/category/literacy-lab
Self-Regulated Strategy Development
Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) is an evidence-based framework that explicitly teaches the writing process, text structure, and the self-regulation and metacognitive skills students need to succeed as writers. SRSD Online provides training and resources for teachers using SRSD.
What Is SRSD? A Step-by-Step Guide for Teachers
37th Annual BCASP Conference
The BC Association of School Psychologists has a fantastic line up of speakers and emphasizes that this information will speak to everyone in the education. Join us in Vancouver Nov. 12, 13 and 14https://www.bcasp.ca/en/upcoming-events/detail/37th-annual-bcasp-conference/70923
