Science of Reading Webinars 2024-2025
Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading in Secondary Schools Part I: Implementing Literacy-Based MTSS in Secondary (6-12) Schools
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Existing literature on Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) predominantly addresses its implementation in elementary schools, leaving a noticeable gap in resources that discuss the unique challenges of applying MTSS in secondary schools. This webinar will provide practical strategies for integrating evidence-based reading practices into secondary schools, setting up robust screening systems, using assessment data to inform reading instruction, and monitoring progress to ensure student success.
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Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading in Secondary Schools Part II: Enhancing Adolescent Literacy through Interventions and Progress Monitoring
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Adolescent readers face significant challenges in becoming proficient in the literacy skills necessary for success in content-area classes. With 71% of eighth graders reading below proficiency according to the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP; U.S. Department of Education, 2022), targeted interventions are essential. Many students struggle with foundational skills such as phonics, morphology, and reading fluency, which can affect their overall comprehension (Leach, Scarborough, & Rescorla, 2003). Addressing these issues effectively requires a focus on word-level reading to improve reading proficiency. To ensure that these interventions are effective, progress monitoring plays a crucial role. Progress monitoring is a key component of any Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) strategy, providing tools to measure students' reading performance, track improvement rates toward goals, and assess responses to instruction.
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Implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Reading in Secondary Schools Part III: Preparing Students for College-Level Reading
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Once secondary students have mastered foundational reading skills, it is important to focus on supporting students in developing advanced literacy skills related to both content and disciplinary literacy that are critical for high school and college success. This webinar is designed to help educators prepare students for college readiness and academic success by equipping them with the advanced skills needed to excel in higher education. Leave the session with effective strategies for fostering these crucial skills and ensuring students are well-prepared for academic success.
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Empowering Writers in a Digital Age: Foundations, Technology, and Assessment Part I: Foundations of Effective Writing Instruction
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Effective writing instruction is pivotal for developing students' writing skills and fostering their overall literacy. This webinar will explore foundational writing principles, including the writing process, effective feedback techniques, and strategies for creating a supportive community of writers. Additionally, discover how to address sentence processing and its significant impact on both writing ability and reading comprehension. Participants will understand the importance of teaching writing as a critical thinking act that empowers students to organize and communicate their ideas clearly, ultimately enhancing their engagement and confidence as writers.
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Empowering Writers in a Digital Age: Foundations, Technology, and Assessment Part II: Incorporating AI and Other Digital Tools in Writing Instruction
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Learning to write is learning to think, so explicitly teaching the writing process empowers both teachers and students in an era increasingly influenced by AI. While technology offers valuable resources for writing instruction, it is essential to approach these tools through a technoskeptical stance for engaging in critical thinking and making informed choices about technology (Pleasants, Krutka, & Nichols, 2023). Educators can help students build strong critical thinking skills, enabling them to organize and communicate their ideas effectively and clearly, which is crucial in distinguishing their unique voices amidst the noise of AI-generated content. This approach not only fosters confidence but also encourages students to engage as active members of a writing community, preparing them to navigate the complexities of an AI-driven landscape.
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Empowering Writers in a Digital Age: Foundations, Technology, and Assessment Part III: Assessing and Improving Writing Proficiency
Wednesday, 3PM EST, 1 hour
Conclude the series with a focus on assessing writing proficiency and using data to drive improvement. Discover methods for evaluating student writing, providing constructive feedback, and using assessment results to inform instructional practices. Learn how to set writing goals, track progress, and implement strategies for continuous improvement in writing skills.
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