Press Release – August 30, 2018 (EUGENE, OR) – The University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning (CTL) announced today a new version of its groundbreaking Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS), available immediately to help educators assess children for reading disabilities, including dyslexia. This new not-for-profit version is based on years of research and the most recent breakthroughs understanding reading difficulty and dyslexia risk. We are delighted to affirm that the University of Oregon is the official and only authorized home of DIBELS and our launch of DIBELS 8th Edition represents our continued commitment to providing evidence based assessments, reporting, coaching and interventions as part of the College of Education’s education extension mission.
“DIBELS was developed here at the University of Oregon, and we are proud to bring an updated and unmatched assessment and supporting data system to schools and districts. All of our DIBELS related revenue is reinvested in the development and research of new tools and technologies.” said Dr. Hank Fien, Director of the Center on Teaching and Learning (CTL). “Literacy skills are a crucial foundation in any child’s education, and schools need the best tools to help put every child on track for reading success. DIBELS 8th Edition will make that easier and more effective than ever.”
Specifically, key improvements over past versions include:
- New grade levels. DIBELS has been extended through the end of eighth grade.
- Screening for Reading Difficulties, including Dyslexia. DIBELS 8th Edition subtests offer efficient and cost-effective measures of processing speed, phonological awareness, and the alphabetic principle for screening students at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia.
- New subtests. As an example, DIBELS now includes word reading fluency, which helps identify students with poor sight word and irregular word reading skills.
- Improved subtests. DIBELS forms now have items that increase in difficulty beyond risk thresholds, which provide data teachers can use in planning instruction for all students.
- Consistent subtests in each grade. Subtests relevant to a given grade are offered at every benchmark period.
In addition, beginning in 2019, DIBELS 8th Edition will include:
- Equated scores. DIBELS will offer equated scores for subtests within a grade level, which makes interpreting change in performance over time more straightforward and progress monitoring more reliable.
- New composite scores. DIBELS composite scores are also getting an overhaul to make them better than ever at predicting risk.
The release of DIBELS 8th Edition follows the resolution of questions surrounding the ownership of the DIBELS trademarks between UO and DMG. “I want to thank DMG for their cooperation in getting these issues resolved and for their contribution to the field,” Fien added. “The most important thing is that we give teachers the tools they need to support every child in their classroom.”
UO CTL is also excited to announce that it is working with Amplify, a next-generation curriculum and assessment company, to offer the mobile and online versions of mCLASS:DIBELS 8th Edition in the future. Amplify will be a significant partner for UO CTL, delivering time-savings, instructional planning supports, and large-scale management tools via its patented mCLASS platform. Amplify and UO CTL will also partner on research and on support for schools, districts, and states.
To find out more about DIBELS 8th Edition, visit dibels.uoregon.edu.
About the University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning: The Center on Teaching and Learning (CTL), one of the largest research centers at the University of Oregon (UO), was established in 2000 as part of the College of Education. Over the last decade, CTL has been awarded 50+ state and federal research grants, totaling over $70 MM.
CTL is committed to conducting rigorous research on the design, delivery and efficacy of curriculum, instruction, and assessment as individual elements used in schools, especially in the primary, elementary, and middle school grades. CTL’s mission is to conduct, translate, and disseminate research that focuses on the solutions to serious but practical problems in school systems.
Presently, CTL research is focused on the rigorous evaluation of instructional strategies and materials in the teaching and assessment of reading and mathematic skills in K-8.
About DIBELS: The University of Oregon provides free download of the new DIBELS 8th Edition and will offer DIBELS Data System (DDS) service for schools to enter and monitor results. Incorporating the latest research in childhood development and skills acquisition, DIBELS 8th Edition allows educators to more effectively test the development of literacy skills among students in grades K-8, including screening students for dyslexia and other reading disabilities.
