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Reading Instruction Strategies: From Sound to Meaning – 6 Weeks – Spring Online 2024

Course Credit 10 Hours/PDPs

This 10-hour professional development course provides educators with an overview of basic word-level reading instruction, from phonemic awareness to content vocabulary development. It consists of recordings of several webinars presented by Landmark Outreach faculty members, accompanied by relevant readings and interactive discussion boards. As a result of the learning experiences in this course, participants will be more competent in their ability to:

• Understand the Science of Reading as the basis for evidence-based reading practices
• Explain the logic and research behind word-level instructional practices
• Create and implement specific lessons to assist students in strengthening their word-level reading skills
• Relate skills covered in this course directly to their unique instructional environments

The course is divided into six, self-paced modules over 6 weeks:

• Phonemic Awareness: The focus of this module is on the importance of beginning instruction at the phonemic level, covering helpful strategies for practicing phonemic awareness with students. An overview of the Science of Reading and its relation to dyslexia is also included.
• Decoding Toolkit: This module covers how to create a shared language for reading instruction, as well as follow a logical scope and sequence to build on learned patterns and skills. It also explains how to use error analysis to inform future lessons, spiral back to previously learned skills to determine mastery, and utilize discovery-based instruction.
• Orthographic Mapping: This module describes and models the process of orthographic mapping and presents practical strategies for implementing it within the classroom, including an explanation of where orthographic mapping fits within the Science of Reading.
• Morphophonemic Approach to Decoding & Vocabulary: This module provides strategies that help students decipher the complicated aspects of the English language which will help them become stronger decoders and build vocabulary. It discusses the reasons behind the complexities of English and provides approaches to help students develop word analysis skills.
• Developing Content-Related Vocabulary: This module discusses the need for direct instruction in vocabulary skills, as well as an overview of the tiers of vocabulary. Strategies, activities, and graphic organizers for introducing content-specific vocabulary words are also covered.
• Reading Equity: This concluding module explores equity issues in literacy education and reflects on practices through which we can all build equity within literacy experiences. All students should have access to instruction that encourages and empowers them to reach their highest potential.

Each module will follow the same basic outline:

• Watch a content video (approximately 1 hour per video)
• Complete a related reading assignment
• Participate in an interactive online discussion board

At the end of the course, there will be a short written reflection asking participants to tie what they learned to their instructional environments.

MATERIALS

No textbook is required for this course. All materials will be provided within the online learning platform.

CREDIT

Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate for 10 hours/PDPs. Graduate credit is not available for this course.

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