A feature from: Bebe Greenberg, Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist

E.B.R. (Evidence Based Reading) is a Special Education funded program district wide, focusing on word features. Each school has an E.B.R. instructor. All are trained in Orton Gillingham, Wilson or LindaMood Bell.

Here, at Clinton, I am the instructor. Trained in the Orton Gillingham method of structured literacy, my groups are 1- 4 students throughout the day. Each group is grade level and skill level appropriate. Each group has some reading deficit that is addressed. Through our ½ hour sessions, 5 days per week, we read, and reread word lists and uses in reading passages. New patterns are introduced and practiced, as well as spelling/reading rules are taught. For example: Do you know why some words are spelled –dge, and some –ge? This is because when there is a short vowel right before the /j/ sound, it is spelled with the –dge ending. If there is a consonant or r controlled letters before the /j/sound, it is –ge. BARGE, EDGE. The d acts as a “vowel protector”. Many students may not be able to state the rule, but know how to read the words – which is the goal of recognizing, reading and creating meaning around words.

Each feature has an index card with how to pronounce, its meaning and uses, as well as an example of its use. Students review these index cards daily. Features such as vowel teams (oo, ai, ay,io,oy, oa, ue) “bossy r” (ar, er, or) prefixes (pre-, re-, sub-, ex-, com- ) and suffixes (-ed, ing, -est, -al,-able/-ible) are explicitly taught. Using a variety of modalities – such as trace and say, breaking words apart into syllables using tiles, offer students a variety of ways to learn and remember our very complex reading language. Students are assessed every 6 weeks, for me to know what is being remembered and able to be used, and what the student needs more practice with. New features are taught, and previous teachings are reviewed each session, with Fridays being “Game Day” – where reading patterns are incorporated into games, like Go Fish, and Chutes and Ladders.

It is important to note that not all students need this level of direct, focused, explicit instruction. Through reading, Wilson Fundations, UOS Phonics and Word Study, students are practicing recognizing features in their classrooms. A shout out to my colleagues in classrooms, who are always supportive and flexible, the Child Study Team and the administration who are encouraging and thoughtful.

Resources to Assist Your Family:

Parent Portal and Canvas Information:

● How to Get to Canvas - Open a web browser and go to https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/Canvas/. Click on Student Portal and log in through your District Google Account. Click Sign-In.

● Forgotten Powerschool Parent Portal Passwords - If a family has forgotten their PowerSchool username or password, please have them visit http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/parentportalhelp. There are instructions on the page that walks the families through the process of resetting their account, etc. If they are unable to get assistance using the resources on the web page, please have them email parentportalhelp@somsd.k12.nj.us.

● Do You Need a Device - If you need a device or if you need technical assistance with your school-issued chromebook please email info@somsd.K12.nj.us.