DCIU Launches Countywide Structured Literacy Resource Hub to Support Students, Educators, and Families

The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), in partnership with school districts across Delaware County, has launched the Delaware County Structured Literacy Resource Hub, a new online destination designed to help educators and families access practical information, tools and resources that support strong literacy instruction and intervention.

Earlier this year, DCIU convened the County-Wide Structured Literacy Committee, bringing together leaders from school districts across Delaware County and DCIU. This committee developed a shared approach to implementing structured literacy practices and strengthening Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in response to Pennsylvania's evolving school code and structured literacy requirements. The newly designed Delaware County Structured Literacy MTSS Framework provides schools with a roadmap for strengthening literacy instruction, identifying students who may need additional support and providing timely, effective intervention. The Resource Hub is built from the framework to create a fluid space for ongoing development, updates, and supports.

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"This work is about providing educators with a clear, practical pathway for turning research and state expectations into strong instructional practices for students," said Sara Christianson, Director of Teaching and Learning at DCIU. "By bringing educators and literacy leaders together from across Delaware County, we were able to develop a framework that reflects both evidence-based practices and the realities of teaching and learning in our schools. The Resource Hub takes that work another step forward by putting valuable tools and information in one accessible place."

Structured literacy is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and writing through explicit, systematic instruction. It supports the development of essential literacy skills, including phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and word recognition, vocabulary, reading fluency, reading comprehension, written expression and spelling.

Structured literacy practices can benefit all students and provide particularly important support for students who experience difficulty learning to read.

Pennsylvania's structured literacy requirements place an increased emphasis on high-quality literacy instruction, professional learning for educators, early identification of reading difficulties, timely intervention and strong literacy systems within schools.

For DCIU, the countywide initiative is also an example of the role collaboration can play in addressing shared educational priorities.

"One of DCIU's most important roles is bringing people together around the needs of students and helping our school communities turn shared challenges into opportunities for collaboration," said Joyce Mundy, Assistant to the Executive Director at DCIU. "The Structured Literacy Framework and Resource Hub demonstrate what is possible when districts share expertise, resources and a common commitment to student success. This work creates greater consistency while giving schools tools they can use to strengthen the excellent literacy work already happening throughout Delaware County."

The new Resource Hub provides educators and caregivers with a centralized location to explore information and resources connected to structured literacy and the countywide MTSS framework. Together, the framework and Resource Hub are designed to strengthen literacy supports and help create a more consistent approach to ensuring students receive the instruction and intervention they need to become confident, successful readers and writers.

DCIU will continue working with its district partners to support implementation, professional learning and the ongoing development of literacy systems throughout Delaware County.

Explore the Delaware County Structured Literacy Resource Hub.