Districts & Schools

Our Kids Can’t Wait

School Data is in.  Funding comes and goes, but the facts remain. We need systematic change and a roadmap on how to support the diverse children that fill our schools.  

Why Left Side Strong LLC?

Researcher. Educator. District Leader. Adjunct Professor

MaryKate has worked with several school districts across the country. Her work and current research aims to support districts with improving their Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to strengthen identification, misidentification and underidentification of students with reading and language disabilities. Using science and ongoing research, Left Side Strong LLC is committed to the evolving science of learning.

See below for MaryKate’s grant experience with the National Institute of Health.

Our Services:

Example Aims from current partnership:

Aim 1: In collaboration with your District our focus will be on developing a framework for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). This framework aims to ensure equity for all students through data-informed decision-making and the identification of students at risk for reading and language difficulties. MTSS entails a comprehensive approach, encompassing universal screening, tiered interventions, and continuous progress monitoring, as advocated by leading experts (Gonzalez, J. E.. (2022). Unlocking the Promise of Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for Linguistically Diverse Students).

Given that “The main indicator of quality for EBPs [Evidence Based Practices] (including specific interventions, activities and strategies implemented at the school or district levels) should be clear evidence of impact based on rigorous research. In short, proven impact in rigorous research should be the main indicator of quality for EBPs used to support schools and districts in improving student achievement” (oese.ed/gov). Left Side Strong LLC’s commitment to utilizing ongoing research and implementation grounded in EBPs while supporting communities in need. Professionals at Left Side Strong LLC are educators, researchers, higher education staff, and reading and language specialists whose core mission is to ensure students recognize their strengths and learning styles to advocate for what they need to succeed by providing school based staff with professional development that is feasible, adaptable, and sustainable to support every child in their classroom.

Aim 2: Based on an analysis of a needs assessment and current literature, provide X hours of professional that will enhance teaching, student learning, and school productivity in the areas of literacy and language. 

Current and ongoing research in the field have proven that PLCs are effective for improving teaching, student learning, and school productivity. “Teachers must be trained to use assessments effectively, to interpret data to monitor progress, and to adjust their instructions as needed (Dexter & Hughes, 2017)” et al D. Henderson, 2018.

MaryKate DeSantis’ recent Events

November 2023

ASHA Conference

Presenting Author

Implementation Science: The Power of Research-Practice Partnerships to Drive Evidence-Based Practice


January 2024

Neurodiversity Institute

Returning Speaker

Remote workshops and professional development hosted by Lesley University for Caribbean educators to support neurodiverse learners.


February 2024

Webinar

Oral Language Development: The Missing Link to Supporting Students with Dyslexia

EdWeek


July 2024

Society for the Scientific Study of Reading

Poster

Grade 1 teachers’ reported literacy curricula and practices to support language