Science of Reading

The Science of Reading
Course Overview:
The Science of Reading:
A Practical Approach for Educators

The Science of Reading: A Practical Approach for Educators is a foundational professional learning course grounded in established and current reading research. It is designed to support the development and reinforcement of critical reading skills across grade levels and provides educators with research-based strategies to inform literacy instruction, and is approved and aligned with the New York State Education Department.

Designed for educators at all levels, this course delves into evidence-based instructional techniques rooted in the latest literacy research, empowering teachers to elevate their classroom practices. Participants will learn from renowned experts and explore key models like the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough's Reading Rope, to understand how to improve students’ reading fluency, comprehension and word recognition.

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The Science of Reading
Course Overview

Course Overview:

  • Cost: FREE
  • Format: 10 modules (5 synchronous, 5 asynchronous)
  • Location: All sessions are hosted virtually on Zoom
  • Duration: Approx. 30 hours
  • Assessments: Module quizzes, reflective discussions, practical assignments
Who is this course for?

Who is this course for?

  • Educators at All Levels
  • Literacy coaches
  • Special education teachers
  • Administrators aiming to support literacy instruction
What you'll gain from this course

What you'll gain from this course:

  • A deep understanding of the Science of Reading framework
  • Practical strategies to support reading fluency, comprehension and word recognition
  • Tools to integrate the latest research into everyday classroom practices
  • Confidence to align literacy instruction with New York State Education Department (NYSED) guidelines
  • 30 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours toward state teacher certification requirements
📅Currently available Science of Reading Courses:

SOR-071
Begins February 24, 2026

Live (Synchronous) Session Dates:

  • February 24, 2026
  • March 3, 2026
  • March 10, 2026
  • March 17, 2026
  • March 24, 2026

Time: 4:30-6:30 PM

SOR-072
Begins February 24, 2026

Live (Synchronous) Session Dates:

  • February 24, 2026
  • March 3, 2026
  • March 17, 2026
  • March 24, 2026
  • March 31, 2026

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM

SOR-073
Begins February 26, 2026

Live (Synchronous) Session Dates:

  • February 26, 2026
  • March 5, 2026
  • March 12, 2026
  • March 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026

Time: 5:30-7:30 PM

SOR-074
Begins March 1, 2026

Live (Synchronous) Session Dates:

  • March 1, 2026
  • March 8, 2026
  • March 15, 2026
  • March 22, 2026
  • March 29, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

SOR-075
Begins March 5, 2026

Live (Synchronous) Session Dates:

  • March 5, 2026
  • March 12, 2026
  • March 19, 2026
  • March 26, 2026
  • April 2, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

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Detail on Modules:
  • Module 1: Introduction to the Science of Reading (Synchronous)

    Learn the foundational principles of the Science of Reading and explore the ongoing debate between phonics and whole language instruction. This module provides an overview of NYSED's literacy initiatives and includes reflective group discussions on current teaching practices.
    • Key Topics: Reading debates, Simple View of Reading, Scarborough’s Reading Rope
  • Module 2: Oral Language Development (Asynchronous)

    This module focuses on the critical role of oral language in literacy development. Explore strategies such as interactive read-alouds and phonological awareness activities to boost students' language comprehension.
    • Key Topics: Phonological skills, vocabulary, syntax, interactive reading
  • Module 3: Phonological Awareness (Synchronous)

    Dive into phonological awareness, emphasizing phonemic awareness, a critical skill for reading proficiency. Interactive strategies will help educators better assess and develop these foundational literacy skills.
    • Key Topics: Blending, segmenting, manipulating phonemes
  • Module 4: Phonemic Awareness (Asynchronous)

    Building on the previous module, participants will explore advanced strategies for developing phonemic awareness and its role in early literacy development.
    • Key Topics: Phoneme articulation, sound manipulation, phonemic awareness activities
  • Module 5: Phonics Instruction (Synchronous)

    Learn evidence-based techniques for teaching phonics, decoding and encoding. This module provides practical tools for strengthening students’ ability to connect sounds and letters, ultimately improving spelling and word recognition.
    • Key Topics: Alphabetic principle, decoding strategies, word ladders
  • Module 6: Word Recognition (Asynchronous)

    Discover strategies for teaching sight words, high-frequency words and decoding text. Learn to integrate phonics into your classroom to develop automaticity in word recognition.
    • Key Topics: Phoneme-grapheme correspondences, Ehri’s Phases of Reading
  • Module 7: Language Comprehension (Synchronous)

    Language comprehension is a vital part of skilled reading. This module explores how background knowledge, vocabulary and verbal reasoning contribute to understanding both spoken and written language.
    • Key Topics: Vocabulary instruction, building background knowledge, text analysis
  • Module 8: Fluency (Asynchronous)

    Fluency bridges decoding skills and reading comprehension. Participants will learn how to develop fluency through strategies such as repeated readings and Readers Theater.
    • Key Topics: Accuracy, automaticity, prosody, fluency assessments
  • Module 9: Reading Comprehension (Synchronous)

    This module ties together all components of the course, focusing on reading comprehension strategies. Educators will learn how to assess and improve students’ comprehension through evidence-based practices.
    • Key Topics: Summarization, questioning the text, activating background knowledge
  • Module 10: The Science of Reading for Diverse Learners (Asynchronous)

    This module provides educators with the tools to adapt the Science of Reading framework for all students, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to become a skilled reader. The session explores evidence-based, practical strategies for supporting the unique needs of diverse learners, including multilingual learners (MLLs) and students with disabilities. Participants will learn how to implement structured literacy, differentiate instruction, and create a culturally responsive and supportive classroom environment.
    Building on the previous module, participants will explore advanced strategies for developing phonemic awareness and its role in early literacy development.
    • Key Topics:
      • Understanding the stages of language acquisition for Multilingual Learners
      • Differentiating between BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills) and CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)
      • Core principles for MLL reading instruction
      • Structured Literacy and explicit, systematic instruction
      • Evidence-based strategies for students with disabilities
      • The role of multisensory approaches in learning
      • Implementing differentiation and scaffolding in the classroom
Enroll Today!

Transform your literacy instruction with The Science of Reading: A Practical Approach for Educators. In this NYSUT course, you'll gain the tools, strategies and confidence to help your students succeed. Sign up now to begin your journey toward mastering the art of teaching reading!

 

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