Structured Literacy Resources from Collaborative Classroom
As per Act 135, signed into law in 2024 to expand access to Structured Literacy in Pennsylvania schools and improve literacy achievement for all students, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has compiled a list of Evidence-Based Reading Instruction (EBRI), intervention materials, and curriculum materials (K–3) that have been vetted by trusted clearinghouses for having met the following criteria:
- Align with PA Standards and the science of reading
- Follow a clear, explicit, systematic, and cumulative scope and sequence
- Include instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding, encoding, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and content knowledge
- Exclude three-cueing (MSV), which relies on meaning, structure, and visual cues for reading
SIPPS, Collaborative Literacy, and Being a Reader have all received favorable results and are featured on the list of Act 135 Resources.
Collaborative Literacy
Comprised of two dynamic programs—Being a Reader and Being a Writer.
- Collaborative Literacy (includes both Being a Reader and Being a Writer) has been reviewed by The Reading League, and is approved by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.
- Being a Reader (as a standalone program) is approved by the Colorado Department of Education.
Being a Reader
Comprehensive Reading Instruction
Being a Writer
Comprehensive Writing Instruction
SIPPS
Evidence-Based Reading Intervention
- Recommended by the Virginia Department of Education
- Recommended by the Colorado Department of Education
- Meets the requirements outlined in the Pennsylvania SD44 Structured Literacy Grant (2024)
Professional Learning to Support Your Implementation
We offer a variety of learning pathways that can be facilitated in-person, virtually, or led by lead teachers/coaches at your school or district.
Pennsylvania Educators Who Are Already Making an Impact
During the 2020–21 school year, we extended SIPPS to every building … The reading teachers and classroom teachers are seeing significant change in the students, particularly in their ability to decode.
– Dr. Stephanie Ferree, Director of Elementary Education, Dallastown Area School District, PA
The Professional Learning opportunities have been phenomenal! [Collaborative Classroom] understood what we were trying to accomplish and was very flexible.
– Dr. Brian Cromer, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, South Western School District, PA
You can hear cheers from the classroom when you say ‘we are doing Guided Spelling today’…Kids love this program [Being a Reader]! We need kids to enjoy what they are doing. This program is awesome for promoting a love of reading, writing, and spelling.
– Julie Vail, 3rd Grade Teacher, North Salem Elementary School, Dover, PA
Even some of our most apprehensive readers are groaning when Individualized Daily Reading time is over.
– Chris Young, Principal, North Salem Elementary School, Dover, PA
Upcoming Events
Keystone State Literacy Association Conference (Sponsor and Presenter)
Connect with Your Partner in Pennsylvania
Seasoned educator Mandy Ubele supports our school, district, and community partners in Pennsylvania.
Get in touch to discuss pilot opportunities, implementation planning, and more.
