Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)

The Science of Reading

Deer Valley has carefully vetted the curriculum materials utilized to support striving readers to ensure the instructional approach is consistently aligned with the science of reading. The science of reading is an extensive and vast body of scientific research about reading—how students learn to read and how to teach reading. A vast body of research evidence collected over the past 40+ years—the science of reading— is both overwhelming and compelling. We know what it takes for reading development to occur (Zaner-Bloser). 

This research reveals what happens in the brain during reading and what needs to take place instructionally to enable skillful reading. Two prominent theoretical models help us start to make sense of how children learn to read: 

• The Simple View of Reading
• Scarborough’s Reading Rope

District Supported Reading Intervention Resources

Reading Horizons Elevate

Reading Horizons Elevate is an intervention curriculum that addresses early foundational reading skills for students in 4th grade and above. The intervention curriculum delivers engaging, explicit, systematic phonics instruction through a multisensory approach based on Orton-Gillingham principles. It also meets all the criteria for a Structured Literacy approach in alignment with the Science of Reading. The instruction supports learners as they progress through the continuum of phonics while simultaneously building vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. It is sequential and cumulative in nature moving from simple to complex using a variety of multisensory techniques. These techniques include visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic instructional strategies (VAKT) that maximize student achievement.

Click here for the Reading Horizons Research Base

Read 180 Universal 

READ 180 Universal is the leading blended learning solution that accelerates learning for readers by merging the latest research around personalized best practices, adaptive technology, instructional strategies based on the science of reading, and scaffolded support to build independent readers. The intervention curriculum provides systematic and explicit instruction to build literacy skills to enhance fluency, increase vocabulary, build background knowledge and strengthen comprehension strategies to grade appropriate  levels of reading proficiency.

Click here for more information on Read 180 Universal

Principles of Effective Intervention

To maximize student growth, educators must utilize evidence-based resources, strategies, or methods to maximize learning at Tier 3. Strategic progress monitoring and responsiveness to the data acquired through progress monitoring will ensure that students' learning is accelerated quickly enough to begin closing the achievement gap. Principles of effective intervention should be used when designing instruction for any intervention lesson. Intervention lessons should include the following components:

District Supported Math Intervention Resources

Do the Math (Grades 2-4)

Effective mathematics instruction is built upon progressions of content informed both by research on children's cognitive development and by logical structure of mathematics (Common Core Standards Writing Team, 2003).

Do the Math provides lessons that build the number sense and computational foundation to lay the groundwork for student success in current and future mathematics. 

Do the Math is carefully sequenced in small scaffolded steps.  It has frequent assessments that allow a teacher to analyze student work and gauge their progress.  It directs teachers to adjust instruction based on what a student can do, not what they cannot do.

Math 180 (Grades 5-9)

Math 180 is designed around three core ideas to improve the teaching and learning process in mathematics.

1. Focus on What Matters Most - For older students, time is at a premium. Reteaching every missed skill and concept simply isn't practicable or possible.  That's why Math 180 focuses on deep understanding and mastery of the essential concepts necessary to unlock algebra.
2. Force Multiplier - A Force Multiplier dramatically increases or multiplies effectiveness.  Teachers are the heart of student learning.  The effect you can have on a student's mathematical trajectory can be life-changing.  Yet, preparedness for more rigorous standards is a critical issue.
3. Growth Mindset - Attitude drives learning.  We know many students have given up on math.  It's not "relevant" and it "doesn't make sense."  So why try?  This is the hallmark of a fixed mindset.  Working in partnership with Carol Dweck's organization, Mindset Works, Math 180 begins with the premise that we need to foster students' growth mindset by showing them that their efforts lead to success.