Literacy in Educator Preparation
In July 2021, the State Board of Education (SBE) adopted foundational literacy skills standards, for use by Educator Preparation Providers (EPP) for instruction of candidates seeking a license to teach students in Kindergarten through grade three (K-3) and for those seeking an instructional leader license. The Tennessee Literacy Success Act requires all EPPs to provide training on reading instruction focused primarily on the foundational literacy skills standards by August 1, 2022. Literacy and Specialty Area Standards policy 5.505
TDOE has developed an assurance process for EPPs to demonstrate how they will integrate the foundational skills standards (see SBE Literacy and Specialty Area Standards policy 5.505) in their respective licensure programs. EPPs with approved licensure programs in the following endorsement areas are required to participate in this assurance process:
- Early Childhood Education (pre-K-3)
- Integrated Early Childhood Education (Birth-K or pre-K-3)
- Elementary Education (K-5)
- Special Education Interventionist (K-8)
- Special Education Comprehensive (K-12)
- Instructional Leader (pre-K-12)
Important Dates
EPPs must adhere to the following timeline to ensure compliance with requirements for Tennessee legislature and SBE policy:
· April 18: TDOE releases signed assurance process
· May 31: EPPs submits assurance requirements to TDOE
· Oct. 14: TDOE will review all assurances and provide feedback
Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, and Instructional Leader Resources
Guidance Documents
- EPP Signed Assurance: Literacy Standards - Guidance and Requirements for EPPs
- EPP Signed Assurance Companion Document
- EPP Head Administrator Attestation Form
Standards
- 2017/2021 EPP Literacy Standards Comparison Table for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education programs
- 2017/2021 EPP Literacy Standards Comparison Table for Instructional Leader programs
- EPP Literacy Standards Alignment: UTK Foundational Skills Instruction Modules for Early Childhood pre-K-3 and Elementary Education K-5 programs
- EPP Literacy Standards Alignment: UTK Foundational Skills Instruction Modules for Special Education Interventionist K-8 programs
- EPP Literacy Standards Alignment: Deans for Impact High-Quality Instructional Materials Modules for Elementary Education K-5 (math) and English 6-12
- EPP Literacy Standards Alignment: UTK Trauma-Informed Instruction Modules for Early Childhood Education pre-K-3, Elementary Education K-5, Special Education Interventionist K-8, and Instructional Leadership programs
- Early Reading Training Course 1 Alignment to EPP Standards
EPP Innovation Modules
- UTK Foundational Skills Instruction Modules for Early Childhood pre-K-3 and Elementary Education K-5 programs
- UTK Foundational Skills Instruction Modules for Special Education Interventionist K-8 programs
- Deans for Impact High-Quality Instructional Materials Modules for Elementary Education K-5 (math) and English 6-12
- UTK Trauma-Informed Instruction Modules for Early Childhood Education pre-K-3, Elementary Education K-5, Special Education Interventionist K-8, and Instructional Leadership programs