Professional Learning Resources
Understanding Structured Literacy
Structured literacy is an effective approach for students who experience reading difficulties or have reading disabilities including dyslexia. Research has indicated that students learn to read better with structured literacy teaching components and methods.
Science of Reading: Phonological Awareness & Phonics
Phonemic awareness has a direct and significant effect on learning to read and spell; it can and should be taught explicitly and systematically. Phonics instruction teaches students the predictable relationships between sounds and the spellings that represent those sounds in written language.
Science of Reading: Knowledge & Vocabulary
Instruction, using complex texts, provides students’ the knowledge and vocabulary they need to become successful readers.
Science of Reading: Comprehension & Fluency
Research points to some effective instructional supports and scaffolds to help struggling readers access complex text without compromising rigor or content. Fluency instruction and practice supports students to make the transition from basic decoding skills to reading that sounds like speech, freeing up mental energy to focus on meaning.
Science of Reading: Analyzing & Responding to Data in Foundational Literacy
Use data to determine where you will need to take corrective action for individual students, and where you will need to target your formative assessments during whole group instruction.
Early Literacy
- A Foundational Reading Skills Course for Tutors – SchoolKit – This free Canvas course is designed for caregivers and tutors who are supporting students to develop their foundational reading skills, including evidence-based reading instruction and instruction planning.
- Early Literacy: Print Awareness, Phonological Awareness, and Alphabet Knowledge – During this online self-paced course, teachers will learn about the importance of print awareness, phonological awareness, and alphabet knowledge to build a solid foundation for learning to read. Teachers will observe classroom instruction, practice some of the skills, and gain access to instructional tools.
- Systematic and Explicit Phonics Instruction – During this online self-paced course, teachers will build their knowledge of effective phonics instruction aligned with the science of reading. This course will provide teachers with practical tools and develop their commitment to provide all students the support they need to become proficient readers.
- Self-Paced Learning for PreK-2 Educators and Caregivers – PBS KIDS offers a FREE collection of flexible, self-paced learning to help inspire educators and caregivers. Choose from several learning experiences designed to spark new ideas and expand your skill set.
- Structured Literacy– Iowa Reading Research Center
K-12
- Introduction to ELA/ Literacy Shifts (Grades K-12) – Access this 1-2 hour PD module (Student Achievement Partners) that can be adjusted to fit local needs.
- Assessing, Preventing, and Overcoming Reading Difficulties is an on-demand eLearning series that was developed by David Kilpatrick, Ph.D. in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Education.
- Fundamentals of Literacy Coaching– ExcelinEd partnered with The Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR) to develop the Fundamentals of Literacy Coaching professional learning resource. This free resource is intended to be used by state and district leaders who are responsible for building the capacity for a cadre of literacy coaches.
Podcasts
Amplify: The Science of Reading Podcast
Science of Reading: The Podcast delivers the latest insights from researchers and practitioners in early reading. Each episode takes a conversational approach and explores a timely topic related to the science of reading.
Glean’s Research to Practice Podcast
Glean’s Research to Practice Podcast features education experts talking about their latest research and asking them to translate their findings into classroom practice.
Melissa and Lori Love Literacy
Melissa & Lori Love Literacy™ is a podcast for teachers. Melissa & Lori are your classroom-next-door teacher friends turned podcasters learning with you. Episodes feature top literacy experts and teachers who are putting the science of reading into practice. Melissa & Lori bridge the gap between the latest research and your day-to-day teaching.
The Six Shifts, with Jan Burkins and Kari Yates, co-authors of Shifting the Balance addresses some of the misconceptions that have prevented educators from incorporating the science of reading into the balanced literacy classroom.
The All for Literacy podcast connects you with established and emerging voices in the national literacy conversation to map a path forward informed by the science of reading. Through monthly podcasts, hosted by Lexia’s Chief Learning Officer Dr Liz Brooke, this series forges connections between literacy research and educators’ knowledge and skills. This is a conversation that will have a real impact on teachers and students, with actionable information and research designed to support our goal of literacy for everyone.
Uncover the power of teaching the Science of Reading with a treasure trove of free resources for educators. You’ll supercharge your own understanding and gain the confidence you need to share it with your students, colleagues, and administrators- Science of Reading Resources.
Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd Podcast
This podcast offers insights into the latest trends in K-12 education policy, featuring conversations with policymakers, educators, and researchers who are shaping the future of education. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how education policy is made and be inspired to engage in the K-12 education systems and policy areas that matter most to them.
Host Emily Hanford explores how ideas about reading instruction took hold in schools and how new insights from cognitive science are helping to transform reading education for the better.