The Oklahoma Legislature passed 70 O.S. § 1210.508H in 2023, which established a three-year pilot program to employ a literacy instructional team to support school districts in implementing the requirements of the Reading Sufficiency Act, now known as the Strong Readers Act. Placed regionally across the state, the HEROES literacy team is prepared to deploy professional development and ongoing coaching cycles regionally including support for district administration designing sustainable systems to Help Elevate Reading Outcomes for Every Student.

• HEROES Resources
• Request Help From The HEROES
• Strong Readers For Schools
• Oklahoma Science Of Reading Academies
• Reading Differences Dyslexia

The HEROES Literacy Instructional Team works hand-in-hand with schools and districts across Oklahoma to support strong literacy instruction. Our coaches collaborate with school leaders and teachers to understand each site’s unique needs and create practical, personalized plans that help students and educators succeed.

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting students across Oklahoma in every community. Early identification and evidence-based interventions are critical to helping students with dyslexia thrive. OSDE is working to strengthen supports through teacher training, screening tools, and best literacy practices. Check out a few of the resources for teachers and families below.

• Dyslexia Handbook Overview
• Educator Guide
• Parent Guide

This summer, the HEROES Literacy Instructional Team traveled across Oklahoma to deliver high-quality literacy professional development! The Pages Across the Plains Summer Literacy Workshops began with the OKC Literacy Symposium in June and continued with ten regional workshops throughout July. Educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and instructional leaders participated in hands-on sessions, explored evidence-based strategies, and collaborated with peers—all focused on boosting literacy outcomes for students. Click on the summaries below to see highlights from the workshops!

• Enid, OK 
• Woodward, OK  
• Guymon, OK
• Elk City, OK  
• Altus, OK  
• Ardmore, OK
• Idabel, OK 
• Tecumseh, OK
• Muskogee, OK  
• Broken Arrow, OK

Want the HEROES team to bring professional development to your school or district? Submit a request here!

• Megan Ashbaugh
  Program Manager, Literacy
  (405) 521-3363
• Classie Nolan
  Regional Literacy Coordinator
  (405) 521-2784
• Traci Ellison
  Regional Literacy Coordinator
  (405) 522-2366
• Lindsay Sizemore
  Regional Literacy Coordinator
  (405) 521-2793
• Karla Jordan
  Regional Literacy Coordinator
  (405) 522-1718
• Kiley Aleman
  State Dyslexia Coordinator
  (405) 522-6261