New Additions to EPS
EPS is happy to announce that it is now the publisher of S.P.I.R.E. as well as a variety of materials from Modern Learning Press.
S.P.I.R.E. (Specialized Program Individualizing Reading Excellence) is a specialized, highly structured reading program for at-risk readers.
Products from Modern Learning Press include the Words I Use series, Writing about Reading journals, and guides for writing across the curriculum. For more information on these exciting new products, visit our Web site. |
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Dedication
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Educators Publishing Service dedicates this issue of EPS Update to the memory of friend, respected author, and trusted educator Priscilla Vail. Her thoughtful and inspiring contributions to the field of learning disabilities are remembered here by Dr. Sylvia O. Richardson, former president of the International Dyslexia Association. |
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In Memoriam
PRISCILLA LUKE VAIL
November 20, 1932–July 6, 2003
 Priscilla Luke Vail was an irreplaceable wordsmith and champion of dyslexics. Those with learning differences and their families and teachers have suffered a tremendous loss, as have Priscilla's many friends.
For many years Priscilla was the Reading Specialist for Rippowam-Cisqua School in her hometown of Bedford, NY. Drawing from decades of experience as an elementary school teacher and learning specialist, she taught countless teachers and parents to help students achieve success in the language arts. Many have profited from her wit, wisdom, and effervescent encouragement.
Priscilla taught and lectured all over the United States, Canada, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. She published eleven memorable books, including Smart Kids with School Problems: Things to Know and Ways to Help, which received the Margot Merek Book Award in 1990.
Priscilla's professional affiliations were many and varied. She was active in the National Association of Independent Schools, the American Association for Gifted Children, the World Association for the Gifted and Talented, the Author's Guild, the Hallowell Clinic for Cognitive and Emotional Health, and the education committee of the Mystic Seaport Museum. Priscilla spoke at schools and school systems and at institutions such as the Bank Street College of Education, the Bryn Mawr Child Study Institute, Teachers College of Columbia University, the Principals' Center at Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Cambridge University. She was known and loved by all in the International Dyslexia Association, and received the Samuel T. Orton Award, its highest honor, in 1998.
Much of Priscilla's success was due to the great variety of her experiences in education, to her love of language, and to her gift for parable and allegory. Her endowment of knowledge, wisdom, and humor is immeasurable.
The life of Priscilla Luke Vail was a constant expression of her faith in life, love, and the gifts and talents of children with learning differences. She will continue to live on through her words and work.
Sylvia Onesti Richardson, M.D., emeritus professor of Pediatrics, distinguished professor of Communication Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa. Dr. Richardson is a former IDA president, current member of its Council of Advisors, and recently served a second term as president of the Florida branch. For more information on Priscilla Vail's life and work, visit www.priscillavail.com and www.epsbooks.com.
EPS Assessments
Ages 3–adultThe beginning of the school year is an important time to start learning about, interacting with, and assessing new and returning students. EPS understands the importance of assessments in the classroom and can help teachers, tutors, and clinicians determine how students learn and how to individualize their instruction. From screening tests to diagnostic assessments to student self-surveys, EPS assessment materials are used in classrooms, clinics, and learning centers around the world.
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Megawords Assessment
Grades 4–adult
This criterion-referenced assessment helps determine which Megawords skills students have mastered and which skills need additional attention. The test assesses both reading and spelling—decoding and encoding—and suggests precise books and wordlists as follow-up for each student. The comprehensive manual provides the rationale behind the test, detailed instruction on administration and scoring, and reproducible student test forms.
Free ready-to-use Megawords lessons for your classroom! GO » |
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Roswell-Chall Screening Tests
Auditory Blending Test
Diagnostic Reading Test of Word Analysis Skills
Grades K–adult
These tests developed by Florence Roswell and Jeanne Chall evaluate two skills necessary for success in reading. The Auditory Blending Test assesses phonemic awareness by having the student blend sounds to form words presented orally. The Diagnostic Reading Test assesses basic word analysis and word recognition skills of children and adults reading at approximately first- through fourth-grade levels. Both screening tests have detailed information on administration and scoring.
MORE INFO » |
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Slingerland Screening Tests for Identifying Children with Specific Language Disability
Grades K–6
These tests, for individuals or groups, identify children who may have a specific language disability. In all forms, subtests 1–5 evaluate visual-motor coordination, visual memory, visual discrimination, and visual memory linked with motor coordination. Subtests 6–8 evaluate auditory-visual discrimination and auditory memory-to-motor ability. All forms also contain individual auditory tests to identify those unable to recall or pronounce words correctly or to express organized thoughts in either spoken or written language.
MORE INFO » |
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Assessments by Dr. Mel Levine
Grades pre–12
These surveys, measures, and assessment systems by Dr. Levine are used by educators and clinicians in all kinds of settings. The ANSER System, developed at Boston Children’s Hospital, evaluates children from age 3 through adolescence for specific learning disabilities and/or behavior disorders. PEET, PEER, PEEX 2, and PEERAMID 2 help provide standardized information on children’s functional and neurodevelopmental health from ages 3 through 16. STRANDS, for children ages 13–19, assesses adolescents’ self-perceptions and neurodevelopmental status. Special student publications by Dr. Levine provide important opportunities for self-assessment. The Language Parts Catalog, The Concentration Cockpit, The Memory Factory, and Jarvis Clutch—Social Spy help students assess their language skills, attention, memory, and social skills in nonthreatening, often humorous ways. Teacher-administrated assessments include guides or manuals with administration, interpretation, and standardized information. All assessments by Mel Levine offer guidance in follow-up or intervention methods.
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EPS at Conferences See our materials, pick up samplers and catalogs, or speak to an EPS expert at a fall conference. View our list of conferences to find us in a city near you!
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Conference Name |
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| 10/2 |
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Idaho Council of Teachers of English |
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Boise, ID |
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| 10/2 |
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30th Plains IRA |
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DesMoines, IA |
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| 10/5 |
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Texas ASCD |
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San Antonio, TX |
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| 10/9 |
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Council for Learning Disabilities International Conference |
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Seattle, WA |
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| 10/9 |
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1st Annual Promising Practices State Conference |
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Seattle, WA |
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| 10/10 |
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New Hampshire NEA (ESANE) |
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Penacook, NH |
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| 10/10 |
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WA Organization for Reading Dev (WORD) |
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Olympia, WA |
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| 10/15 |
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Greater Boston Reading Council (ESANE) |
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Burlington, MA |
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| 10/16 |
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2003 Education Minnesota Professional Conference |
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St. Paul, MN |
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| 10/16 |
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NJ IDA |
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Princeton, NJ |
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| 10/16 |
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The 41st Annual FRA Conference |
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Orlando, FL |
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| 10/17 |
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Colorado Core Knowledge Conference |
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Broomfield, CO |
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| 10/17 |
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Louisiana Early Childhood Assn (LAECA) |
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Alexandria, LA |
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| 10/22 |
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MA Coalition for Adult Education (MCAE) |
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Marlborough, MA |
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| 10/22 |
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Vermont NEA (ESANE) |
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Essex Junction, VT |
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| 10/23 |
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New England Reading Association (NERA) (ESANE) |
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Nashua, NH |
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| 10/23 |
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NYS Middle School Assoc. 23rd Annual Conference |
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Syracuse, NY |
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| 10/27 |
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Association of Independent Maryland Schools |
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Baltimore, MD |
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| 10/29 |
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39th Annual LDA of Texas |
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Austin, TX |
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| 10/30 |
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Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) 2003 |
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Milwaukee, WI |
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| 11/2 |
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Reading Reform Foundation Conference |
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New York, NY |
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| 11/5 |
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Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Assn (TEPSA) Fall Conference |
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Houston, TX |
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| 11/6 |
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Connecticut Reading Assn |
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Cromwell, CT |
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| 11/6 |
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National Middle School Association's 30th Annual Conference |
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Atlanta, GA |
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| 11/6 |
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California Reading |
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San Diego, CA |
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| 11/6 |
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NJEA |
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Atlantic City, NJ |
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| 11/10 |
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Literacy For All, Northeast Early Literacy Conference and Reading Recovery Insti |
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Providence, RI |
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| 11/12 |
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National IDA
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San Diego, CA |
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| 11/13 |
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MN Reading Conference |
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MN |
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| 11/14 |
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National Council/Social Studies |
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Chicago, IL |
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