How can we ensure that students with disabilities in reading thrive in content-area classrooms?
This recorded webinar explores how to support students with disabilities in reading (including dyslexia) to succeed using strategies that draw upon disciplinary literacy approaches—the specialized ways of reading, writing, and thinking in subjects like science, history, and math. Our featured speakers explore how educators can embrace a both/and approach: delivering specially designed literacy instruction in the disciplines to build foundational reading and writing skills while also ensuring students can engage with grade-level texts through strategic accommodations.
Resources From the Session
- Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4–9: Educator’s Practice Guide (PDF)
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (Website)
- Reading Apprenticeship (Website)
- Writing Apprenticeship (Website)
Featured Speakers
Elizabeth Zagata
As a former special education teacher and OSEP scholar, Zagata is dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes for students with disabilities. Her research centers on literacy, assessment, and special education policy and law. Currently, Zagata leads the Effective Instruction priority areas for the National Center for Systemic Improvement. She holds certifications in special education, elementary education, and gifted education, and she is also a certified dyslexia practitioner. She currently serves as an adjunct faculty member, teaching diagnostic assessment and special education law.
Katie Drummond
Drummond specializes in implementing and evaluating evidence-based literacy practices across the developmental spectrum and research-to-practice translation. She has directed numerous complex research and technical assistance projects aimed at improving literacy outcomes for all students and helping teachers hone their teaching strategies. Drummond’s work involves collaboration with local, state, and nonprofit partners and covers an array of literacy topics, interventions, and policies. She began her career teaching special education and served in a clinical setting delivering interventions to students with disabilities.
Misty Sailors
Sailors is a former teacher and teacher educator, is an internationally recognized literacy expert and the interim director of Literacy at WestEd. With expertise in structured and disciplinary literacy, she has led K–12 teacher development across the United States and abroad. Dr. Sailors has authored over 80 scholarly works and developed award-winning literacy programs. She currently leads research and professional development focused on supporting educators in implementing effective reading instruction for diverse learners, including students with dyslexia. (Misty was not able to present on the day of the session.)
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