DIBELS Next Assessment Materials and Training

We are writing to update you about the distribution and training of Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills Next (DIBELS Next) assessment materials for the 2010-2011 school year.

Heartland AEA will again provide assessment materials and access to the DIBELS Next Data System website at no cost to your district (https://dibels.uoregon.edu/). DIBELS Next assesses literacy skills and assists teachers and literacy teams in identifying those students who may be in need of additional instruction. There are new measures that have been added to DIBELS Next, new directions and new reading passages for all grade levels.

To ensure consistency in the training across all schools, and to provide schools with as much flexibility in training as possible, all of the training on the DIBELS measures will be available through pre-recorded webinars. These recordings will be available to schools through Heartland’s webpage, or in cases where internet accessibility is a concern, a DVD may be requested.

Starting August 16, 2010, buildings can access these webinars on the Heartland website. To locate these recordings, click on the Educator tab, then Professional Development: Initiatives. Choose the DIBELS Next Training Resources. The following recommended training activities for each module would include watching the recorded presentation, completing the included practice activities, and completing a Check for Understanding task following each module.

Each school will be connected with a Professional Learning and Leadership Consultant (PLLC) who can provide you with support in planning, organizing and facilitating DIBELS Next training as needed. The consultant will also be your contact to ask additional questions about the training content and the DIBELS data system.

Questions regarding administration and scoring, training and/or use of the DIBELS Next Data System website can be directed to Wendy Robinson at (515) 270-0405, extension 14548 or your Partnership Director. Questions regarding materials may be directed to Teri Hazen at (515) 270-0405, extension 14465.