Professional Learning Resources
Nebraska Literacy Project – Early Literacy Workshop
The Early Literacy Workshop will train K-3 educators in foundational literacy skills, focusing on print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency. Participants will be able to identify concrete strategies to support student learning. The workshop will build knowledge and skills of evidence-based early literacy instruction and provide resources to support K-3 educators’ planning and instruction aligned with Nebraska State Standards.
More information can be found on the Early Literacy Workshop flier
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.
K-3
- 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.
K-12
- AIM Pathways Courses – AIM Pathways is a unique, interactive digital teacher training platform designed to deliver research and evidence-based content in the science of reading.
- 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.
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 and Lori have created podcast playlists, including:
- Science of Reading
- From Balanced to Structured Literacy
- Reading Comprehension & Knowledge
- Leadership Retreat
- Understanding Dyslexia
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.