Science of Reading

Course Overview:

The Science of Reading:
A Practical Approach for Educators

This course is a professional learning course grounded in current reading research and aligned with the New York State Education Department. Designed for educators at all levels, participants will explore evidence-based instructional strategies and key models like the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope to improve students’ fluency, comprehension, and word recognition.

YES! I'd like to bring this free course to my district.

The Science of Reading is a FREE, synchronous and asynchronous course for educators by educators.

10 modules; approximately 30 hours of instructional time and coursework
Assessments include checks for understanding, reflective discussions, practical assignments
Open to all educators including, literacy coaches, special education teachers, administrators, pre-service teachers, generalists, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals.

What You'll Get:

Instruction from content experts on practical strategies to support reading fluency, comprehension and word recognition, as well as key models like the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope
Tools to integrate the latest research into everyday classroom practices
30 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education hours toward state teacher certification requirements

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!

YES! I'd like to bring this free course to my district.

Science of Reading

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