In honor of Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Awareness Month, join us for free screenings of three acclaimed documentary films and an expert panel focused on the science of reading.
We will explore how we think and talk about these issues, and learn about research on ways to support developing readers, especially those with learning differences.
Come to one event or all four on Thursdays in October at 6 p.m. at the Downtown Library. In-room activities will be available for children. This series is presented in partnership by Eugene Public Library Foundation and Eugene Public Library.
The Right to Read
Thursday, October 5, 6 p.m.
This film shares the stories of an NAACP activist, a teacher and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read. Filled with personal stories as well as hard facts, this documentary addresses reading as a civil rights issue. Learn more about The Right to Read.
The Truth About Reading: The Invisible Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight
Thursday, October 12, 6 p.m.
Featuring the stories of two men who did not learn to read and write until adulthood, this film explores the ways that illiteracy and sub-literacy impact a person’s ability to truly thrive. Literacy experts share the seriousness of the illiteracy crisis in America and how implementation of science and evidence-based practices can transform lives and ensure every child learns how to read. Learn more about The Truth About Reading.
Blame It on Gutenberg
Thursday, October 19, 6 p.m.
This documentary provides an engaging overview of the evolving science of dyslexia, dueling theories over how to teach reading, and one family's landmark struggle with an unresponsive school system. The filmmakers were inspired in part by the desire to make this information more accessible as visual and oral content rather than text. Learn more about Blame It On Gutenberg.
Science of Reading Panel
Thursday, October 26, 6 p.m.
Learn and connect about these topics with a panel of local school, library and community experts:
Carrie Thomas Beck, Ph.D. is Director of Literacy for CORE Learning. Prior to her time at CORE, Carrie was the Dyslexia Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). In 2019, Carrie received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the International Dyslexia Association to recognize her contribution to improving outcomes for students with dyslexia in Oregon. Prior to joining the ODE, Carrie worked as a Research Associate in the Center on Teaching and Learning at the University of Oregon. Carried developed and directed the Center's Reading Clinic at UO from 2008-2013. She also led the development of a reading endorsement program at UO and taught literacy courses in the College of Education. Carrie also co-directed the Oregon Reading First Center.
Amy Seto Forrester is a youth services supervising librarian at Eugene Public Library. She is passionate about diverse, engaging books for developing readers. She has a background in the performing arts and a love of puzzles, mazes, and other forms of interactive learning. Frustrated by the lack of diversity in books for beginning readers, she decided to write one herself. She is co-founder of the Guessing Geisel blog and has written for review journals including SLJ, Horn Book Guide, and Booklist. She regularly contributes to Kirkus Reviews.
Echo Groff is an Instructional Coach and Principal Intern with Bethel School District who has been an educator in Bethel since 2006. She began as a classroom teacher in 5th grade. As the parent of a child who struggled to learn to read, she realized that she did not have the skills as a classroom teacher to support students like her own child in literacy. She continued her education and earned a reading endorsement so that no child would leave her classroom without the reading skills they needed to be successful. Having developed a passion for literacy instruction, she spent nine years as a Title 1 Reading Specialist. Last year, she stepped into the role of Instructional Coach to support the work in Bethel to create relevant, responsive and joyful learning communities where all students can thrive and read.
Ayanna Moriguchi is the Early Learning Program Coordinator for the African American/Black Student Success Program at Lane Education Service District and works with United Way of Lane County. Ayanna was born and raised in Eugene and is raising her five children here, as well. She attended Pacific University and graduated with a Master’s in Education and Learning. Ayanna has been involved in work for bettering the lives of children of color for as long as she can remember and is happy to be in a job where she can continue helping African American/Black children thrive.
Judy Newman is in her 7th year on the Eugene 4J School Board. She is the Co-Founder and was the Co-Director of Early Childhood CARES, the early intervention and early childhood special education program for Lane County, Oregon, for over 30 years. She is currently the Senior Advisor for Early Childhood CARES and the Lane County Early Childhood Hub. Her experience includes direct service provision, administration, university teaching, participation in numerous research activities, and extensive work on state and local councils, committees, task forces, and boards related to policy, systems, and funding for education, human services, and specifically, early childhood concerns.
Gretchen Scheidel, Ph.D. is an independent practitioner with Eugene Psychological Assessments. A clinical psychologist, Gretchen specializes in evaluations for learning disorders and other diagnoses, including ADHD and autism. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Scheidel has conducted nearly a thousand assessments. She has a special knack for connecting with kids. Fun fact! Dr. Scheidel has about 100 novelty socks, with her favorite pairs being: "taco-saurus," "disco sasquatch," and "skateboarding dinos."