The UCSF Dyslexia Center is preparing to beta test Multitudes Version 1 in 47 test schools this fall. Version 1 is the first of a two-step assessment that will identify students who may need help meeting reading targets. Ultimately, Multitudes will be an integrated assessment and intervention platform with the ability to provide curriculum support, train educators, and collect and organize data for reporting on outcomes. As a publicly funded project, Multitudes will be a free tool for all public schools in California. 

Earlier this month Director of Interventions Research, Mariah Pospisil, welcomed a training cohort of 90 educators to learn to pilot and give feedback on the design and use of the platform along with Multitudes Director of Engagement, Phaedra Bell. “We couldn’t be more excited to collaborate with such experienced and innovative educators from all over California. Our Version 1 Beta Testers are a crucial part of our overall co-development process that also includes focus groups with students themselves, engagement with families and communities, and of course our wonderful colleagues in the CDI.”

This is the third year of UCSF’s longitudinal study to validate traditional and novel literacy assessments using contemporary tools, for California students. 

In 2023-2024, Multitudes will continue calibration and validation of a parallel Spanish language assessment for simultaneous release. Also, in development with partners at UCLA, is a new UC/CSU Collaborative Center for Excellence. Our cross-campus team is working to build and curate professional development materials for pre-service and in-service teacher education across the state.  

We are grateful for the generous collaboration of many districts and counties, from Compton to Center Joint, and are looking forward to meeting more of you in the coming months!  

As a recipient of a California Department of Education (CDE) and California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) SELPA content lead grant, the Imperial County SELPA is committed to be of assistance to the statewide system of support by offering collaborative consultation services to SELPAs who have identified needs associated with improving outcomes for English learners with Disabilities.

Given the complex needs of English learners with Disabilities, the Imperial County SELPA provides statewide in-person and virtual training opportunities for teachers, teacher-leads/coaches, support personnel, general & special education service providers, and administrators.

The Imperial County SELPA is committed to building the collective efficacy of general & special educators and their leaders, within every SELPA, to advance the achievement of English learners with Disabilities locally and across the state.

The California Dyslexia Initiative is hosting a free, virtual Professional Learning Network on Wednesday October 4, 2023 from 9:00am-1:00pm.



Join Dr. Jason Yeatman, our featured keynote, as he lays out the neurobiological underpinnings of literacy and asks the question: "Why do some children struggle learning to read?" Dr. Yaetman will present data showing how intensive, evidence-based reading intervention programs can reshape the development of the brain's reading circuitry. In addition, he will conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for dyslexia screening and intervention.

Breakout Session Presenters:

Kelli Sandman Hurley, Ed.D.

Karina Quezada, Psy.D.

Shawn Robinson, Ph.D.

Daniel Silberstein, M.Ed.

Registration is limited, so don't wait!