Growing Literacy in Oregon
The mission of the Oregon State Literacy Association (OSLA) is to be a driving force for the development of literacy in our schools and communities and to foster a lifelong love of reading.
An affiliate of the International Literacy Association (ILA)
OSLA Community Grant Application
Due April 18, 2020
For a literacy project by the Council and for the community, schools, or classrooms. Application Deadline is April 18, 2020 or any time before then. Judging will be done by the OSLA Council Grant Committee-Beth LaForce-Chair *The Oregon State Literacy Association has reinstated Council Community Grants for 2019-2020. *Grants will be awarded to councils (not individual OSLA members) in the amount of $100.00 to be used to encourage literacy in their local area. In the past Community Grants have been used to help fund summer reading programs, books on the bus, purchasing books to be placed in restaurants, etc. *The Council will submit an article to The Oracle about the project and give a report regarding the grant activity and progress at the Leadership Meeting August 3-4, 2020.
Click here for application:
- Google Form Application
- Printable Application (coming soon)
Due October 14, 2019
We're happy to announce that the Oregon State Literacy Conference will take place on February 7th & 8th, 2020! This year, our conference will be anchored by educator Dr. Sharroky Hollie, author of Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching & Learning on Friday and Keynote Speaker and International Literacy Association Vice-President of the Board, Stephen Peters on Saturday!
We are committed to continuing to offer professional learning sessions from colleagues and as such, are requesting proposals for Saturday sessions. Currently practicing K-12 Teachers are encouraged to apply! This year's theme is Literacy, Equity, and Empowerment. We invite you to complete this form if you're interested in developing a 75-minute interactive session with practical, classroom-ready strategies around our conference theme.
If selected to facilitate a session, we will provide complimentary registration, including a FREE 1-year membership to OSLA (new this year), for the 2-day Conference for one presenter.
Proposals will be accepted through Monday, October 14th. If your proposal is selected, you will be notified before December through the contact information you provide.
New Patricia Gallagher Award Nominees are available for 2019-2020
Patricia Gallagher Award Process
1. Check out the set of six nominated books from your local council.
2. Students each vote for their one favorite title. Each student's vote is reported, as this is not a class vote. Voting takes place between Sept. 1st and April 30th.
3. Report your votes to Mickie French at garmic2@msn.com by May 1st. Please email the total votes for each title, the school and grade level(s) that voted.
For printable information click here:
For Ballots click here:
Lesson Plans:
Kids' Votes are in for Patricia Gallagher Awards!
Children across Oregon voted for their favorite children's book. This year we received 7923 votes for the Gallagher books.
The winner is Help Me, Mr. Mutt with 3242 votes!
Circus Ship received 1640 votes
Helen's Big World received 1590 votes
Pele received 1137 votes
If You Love Honey received 314 votes
Learn more about the books & award
Local Councils Give "Celebrate Literacy" Award
Every year, local OSLA councils honor teachers, organizations, and others with the International Literacy Association sponsored "Celebrate Literacy" Award to honor contributions to literacy around our state.
New Issue of The ORacle is Published
The ORacle is the digital publication of OSLA. In addition to updates from our local councils, every issue features articles written by professors and professionals from around the state. Check out the new edition for articles about:
- Academic language
- English Language Learners
- Secondary Reading
- What's new in children's and YA literature
- New member lending library books
Spring ORacle 2019-Final.pdf
"OSLA strives to be a part of the development of world-wide efforts to educate every individual to live a life informed by the great ideas available through reading."
Read the new President's Message from OSLA Carol Lauritzen to learn more about ILA's Children's Rights to Read and pledge your support for #RightsToRead.
There are now three ways you can support OSLA with BottleDrop:
1. Transfer refunds from your account.
2. Purchase fundraiser bags instead of your typical green bags.
3. Help your local council fill bags.
Over $3000 in grants for literacy projects awarded!
Funds will support projects across the state to build up libraries and book clubs, support learning about women in STEM, promote diversity, & more.
See the Winners & Read about the projects