SIM News​​​​​

• Join us online in October for the final SIM Update Conference of 2025! Fall Virtual Conference - Oct. 13- Nov. 13

• Join us for a FREE online learning conversation to talk about SIM - Oct. 16, 4:00 pm EST

• Look for CRL Co-Director, Jocelyn Washburn (breakout session), and SIM Professional Developer, Michael Kennedy (keynote session), at the Virginia CEC Conference Nov. 5-7, in Virginia Beach.

• Check out Episode 13 of Sold a Story by APM Reports: "The List" — a powerful look into why many evidence-based reading programs don’t make it onto EdReports, state-approved reading lists, or HQIM. https://www.apmreports.org/.../06/sold-a-story-e13-the-list ~ If you're curious how SIM instructional tools fit into the bigger picture? Discover how they align with other programs, strategies, and initiatives to support effective instruction.

• We’re in the process of adding the Teaching Content to All: Evidence-based Inclusive Practices in Middle and Secondary Schools (Lenz, Deshler, & Kissam, 2003) book to KU ScholarWorks. This will make the book available as a free digital download. Among other uses, Pre-Service SIM Professional Developers may want to use this book as a course reading.

• KU CRL Researchers are working with educators in Montana and Virginia this year on the iSTAR Grant Project.

• KU CRL Researchers are still looking to partner with a few more schools for the KU WRITE-APLM grant project.  Please email aplm@ku.edu if you know of anyone who might be interested.

Reminders:

• Report your SIM PD work - We use this information to help us apply for grants and to share the impact SIM is having around the world. This is especially important right now with everything that is happening in the broader landscape of US education.

• Update your StrateDirectory information so that others in the network can find you. That is also where you let us know if you are interested in being contacted with referrals for PD in your area.

SIM in the Field

• SIM Professional Developer Cathleen Beachboard (VA) recently published an article entitled “3 Ways to Boost Students’ Motivation to Learn” in Edutopia. She connects student-to-student feedback using Glows and Grows to motivation for learning.

• Jocelyn Washburn, presented for the Virginia Joint Coalition for Learning Disabilities and Literacy (VJCLDL) on Sept. 16 about using Strategic Instruction to Enhance Adolescent Literacy. 

  

• SIM Professional Developers, Michael Faggella-Luby and Judith Fontana presented at the VBIDA Virtual Conference on Sept. 27.

• Heather in Illinois shared, "My Xtreme Reading class is off and running! Here’s a picture of their little book stacks I made for them as we start independent reading today!"

• KU CRL Researchers, Suzy Myers and Bonnie Palasak, joined SIM PDer, Kami Heinz for a tour of Glacier National Park after a day of PD.

  

   

SIM Resources

• 2025 SIM One-Page Flyer

• Handout with quick links to SIM resources (crosswalks and websites)

Upcoming SIM Events:

SIM Events for PDers and Specialists

• Oct. 13- Nov. 13 - Fall Virtual SIM Conference

• Oct. 16 - FREE online learning conversation. 

New Course: Supporting Adolescent Literacy for Successful School Change

• Is your school team looking for a course in adolescent literacy to dramatically impact teacher and student performance? We have a course for that!

  Our online learning course, Supporting Adolescent Literacy for Successful School Change, is a six-part course designed to support school teams in implementing a systematic approach to adolescent literacy using evidence-based learning tools. Follow the link above for more information and to register today!

SIM Online PD Classes for educators (self-paced courses on Canvas, with follow-up coaching time)

• Content Enhancement Routines: 
  • Cross-Curricular Argumentation Routine
  • Framing Routine
  • Unit Organizer Routine
• Learning Strategies: 
  • Fundamentals of Paraphrasing and Summarizing Strategy 
  • The Inference Strategy
  • The Paragraph Writing Strategy
  • Possible Selves Strategy (1st or 2nd edition)
  • Sentence Writing Strategies (Fundamentals and Proficiency)