Contact Information

AK Reads Team: Academic Support and Teaching & Learning
Kathy Moffitt Director, Innovation and Education Excellence kathy.moffitt@alaska.gov 907-269-3700	Dianne Orr Education Administrator 1 dianne.orr@alaska.gov 907-269-3587
Tamara Van Wyhe Education Specialist 2 tamara.vanwyhe@alaska.gov 907-269-2016	Dana Evans Education Specialist 2 dana.evans@alaska.gov 907-465-2887
Heather Hintze-DeBerry Education Specialist 2 heather.hintze-deberry@alaska.gov 907-269-6579	Melinda Krise Education Specialist 2 melinda.krise@alaska.gov 907-269-0124
Diane Ditton Education Associate 2 diane.ditton@alaska.gov 907-269-4553

WHAT WE DO

Facilitate and support implementation of the Alaska Reads Act statewide
Support implementation of District Reading Improvement Plans / Multi-tiered System of Supports (DRIP/MTSS)
Provide technical assistance with the implementation of high-quality evidence-based literacy materials and instructional pedagogy
Develop and support online opportunities for educators and students through the Virtual Learning Consortium
Ensure opportunities to earn AK Reads Act Endorsements through vetted and approved synchronous and asynchronous courses aligned with the science of reading
Provide intensive literacy support through evidence-based instructional practices, data analysis, professional development, student-focused scheduling, and effective communication with parents and stakeholders for Department Reading Program schools/districts
Support implementation of Amplify mCLASS DIBELS 8 as a universal screener and progress monitoring tool
Facilitate literacy-focused professional development opportunities for educators across Alaska
Plan and execute the annual Alaska Science of Reading Symposium
Administer the Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant (CLSD) 2024
Support all students to read at grade level by the end of third grade