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STAR Help Desk National STAR Training Network (NSTN) Network Staff and Experts National STAR Training Cadre

STAR Help Desk

The STAR Network help desk is available to all teachers, administrators and professional developers in the STAR Network. The help desk serves as a resource for STAR related inquiries, issues and implementation questions. The STAR Help Desk and support line is also available to assist partners and states with Tool Kit log on problems, Web site browser issues, creation of new Tool Kit accounts and password resets. Help Desk inquiries will be responded to within 24 hours.

Email:
projectstar@dtihq.com

Phone:
1-866-691-STAR (7827)

Address:
DTI Associates Inc. - A Kratos Company
2920 South Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22206

Or use our Online Inquiry Form to learn more about our package options.

The National STAR Training Network (NSTN)

The National STAR Training Network (NSTN) encompasses national and state experts in reading instruction, state and federal policymakers, and practitioners. All are working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Education to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) and the STAR model to improve adult literacy.

NSTN helps state leaders, program administrators and classroom teachers deliver EBRI to intermediate-level adult learners (GLE 4.0-8.9) through a range of activities and services (see STAR Services ). These services are delivered by experts in evidence-based reading instruction (the National STAR Training Cadre) and supported by the Network staff.


Network EXPERTS AND Staff

DTI Associates, Inc. - A Kratos Company, the prime contractor, runs the NSTN by providing training operational support, strategic management, coordination and oversight of all services.

Staff include:
Laura C. Lanier laura.lanier@kratosdefense.com Project Director
Chrys Marcus Limardo chrys.limardo@kratosdefense.com Technical Assistance Coordinator
Feng Gao feng.gao@kratosdefense.com Web Site Manager/Tool Kit Administrator
Kristine Nowicki kristine.nowicki@kratosdefense.com Operations Director
Leah Mercado leah.mercado@kratosdefense.com National TOT Meeting Planner
Thomas J. Comer projectstar@dtihq.com Helpdesk Administrator

The NSTN brings together leading researchers in reading and adult education and professionals with extensive experience in training and technical assistance. The team includes:

  • Dr. Mary Beth Curtis - (Bio)
  • Dr. John Strucker - (Bio)
  • Laurie Bercovitz, Adult Learning Resource Center - (Bio)
  • Laurie Martin, Adult Learning Resource Center - (Bio)
  • Jane Meyer - (Bio)

The National STAR Training Cadre

The National STAR Training Cadre is a group of experts trained in using evidence-based reading instruction to improve adult reading achievement. Cadre members are deployed to states that purchase STAR training and technical assistance packages to change the way they deliver reading instruction to adult learners. The following individuals are National STAR Trainers:
  • Ann Marie Barter , Maine - (Bio)
  • Evelyn Beaulieu, Maine - (Bio)
  • Laura Bercovitz, Illinois - (Bio)
  • Steven Dolanski, California - (Bio)
  • Tawna Eubanks, Ohio - (Bio)
  • Elizabeth Griffin, California - (Bio)
  • Becki Lemke, South Dakota - (Bio)
  • Laura Martin, Illinois - (Bio)
  • Jane Meyer, Ohio - (Bio)
  • Lynn Reese, Ohio - (Bio)
  • Amy Trawick, North Carolina - (Bio)

To be certified as a National STAR Trainer, a candidate must demonstrate the content knowledge and skills required to train and provide the technical assistance involved in implementing evidence-based reading instruction.

Certified National STAR trainers must understand:
  • the substance of STAR and the evidence base that supports it
  • the processes, policies and structures that support implementation and sustainability of evidence-based reading instruction
  • maintain fidelity to the STAR Training Plans and present the information in a clear, concise, accurate and complete manner
  • engage and encourage participants and present in a professional and collaborative way
  • facilitate participants' ability to identify and evaluate challenges and solutions in implementing evidence-based reading instruction
  • promote capacity-building and sustainability within a state