Bringing the Science of Reading to Life in Your Classroom

 

Course Description:  This online course for educators and administrators focuses on the application of the science of reading in the K-5 classroom. The course will take you beyond an introduction to the science of reading and the WHY of evidence-based instruction right into the HOW, structured literacy. 

Delving deeper into application, instructional leaders will focus on how this knowledge can strengthen instruction and what to look for in classes employing the reading science. Participants will explore foundational theories such as the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and learn how to leverage these concepts to create and evaluate effective reading lessons covering five areas: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. 

The course emphasizes designing inclusive, differentiated, Tier 1 lessons tailored to various skill levels meeting diverse student needs, while streamlining instructional planning and minimizing unnecessary work. By the end of the course, educators will be adept at identifying and applying evidence-based strategies to optimize reading instruction and ensure the highest level reading support for each student. 

 

Course Learning Outcomes:

• Grasp the principles of the Science of Reading while examining the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, then apply these frameworks to guide reading instruction.

• Explore IES Practice Guides to develop and identify reading lessons based on evidence-based strategies that foster student engagement and comprehension.

• Design inclusive, differentiated, Tier 1 lessons tailored to meet diverse student needs.

• Evaluate and refine current reading lessons to integrate new knowledge, reducing extra work for both educators and students.

 

Required Resources: 

• All required reading will be linked in a weekly assignment document. 

• Access to the internet and Zoom. 

• Personal Gmail account: Not affiliated with K-12 school district nor with higher learning institution.  

 

Class Syllabus

Assignments include: 

1. Watching a slide presentation: including linked videos/podcasts 

2. Weekly reading assignments

3. Uploading responses, reflections and  assignments to Google Classroom 

4. Completing a short quiz to check for knowledge. 

5. Assignments may change to due class progress or levels of mastery.  

 

 

 

Grading Procedures: