Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Speaker Series
From Research to Implementation
Join us for a speaker series in which we will explore research-based instructional practices in the different components of literacy instruction. Experts in the literacy field will share ideas and resources on how to implement the Science of Teaching Reading in pre-K through 12th-grade classrooms.
Supporting Struggling Adolescent Readers
Featured Speaker: Katie McKnight
Grade Band: 6–12
October 16, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual Zoom Session
Session ID: 1830213
Registration Fee: $75
You know the reality: over 65% of our students are not reading on level. What practices can educators leverage to close the gap? What does the research really indicate about grade-level text and differentiated reading? Sometimes interventions in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and word identification are in order — but can these lessons ever be engaging for older learners? In this session, we’ll burrow into these questions, and you’ll emerge with some concrete answers and a vision for developing proficient readers in all disciplines.
Participants will acquire evidence-based strategies for supporting all adolescent readers—struggling or not—whenever they encounter challenging text. Participants will receive the book Strategies to Support Struggling Adolescent Readers, Grades 6-12 by Katherine McKnight. Register here.
Supporting Students' Independence in the 3rd-8th ELA Classroom (and Beyond!)
Featured Speaker: Meredith Alvaro
Grade Band: 3–8
November 7, 2024
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 4 McKinney Conference Center (Map and Directions)
Session ID: 1830782
Registration Fee: $35
Many students in our classrooms demonstrate dependent behaviors. However, dependence and learned helplessness do not have to be a given. This PD session for educators is focused on helping students build increasing independence within the ELA classroom. The day will include studying conditions that support independence and naming common obstacles. Participants will walk away with concrete ideas for removing obstacles and building pathways toward the child’s independence. While the day will focus on the ELA classroom, many of the strategies presented will extend beyond this setting allowing our students and the teachers who support them to thrive! Register here.
Scaffolding as an Essential Support for All Writers
Featured Speaker: Meredith Alvaro
Grade Band: 3–8
January 21, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 4 McKinney Conference Center (Map and Directions)
Session ID: 1830783
Registration Fee: $35
One of the greatest obstacles teachers face is when students become overly dependent on their guidance. When students can write with greater independence, it will ultimately develop their stamina, volume, and, eventually, quality of work. How do we strategically plan for each student’s growth and independence? On this day, teachers will study strategic scaffolding and learn ways to deliberately plan for repeated practice and release of control over time. Whether working with our most fragile learners or those who just need a gentle nudge, this will give writers the wings they need to do their greatest work (eventually without you!). Register here.
Concrete Ways to Teach Argumentation Writing
Featured Speaker: Kathy Glass
Grade Band: 5–12
February 26, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Location: Region 4 McKinney Conference Center (Map and Directions)
Session ID: 1827819
Registration Fee: $100
In this interactive session geared to educators who teach or support grades 5-12 ELAR, participants will receive materials, resources, strategies, and assessments for how to teach argumentation writing. Presenter Kathy Glass will differentiate between argumentation and persuasive writing, share ways to launch an argumentation writing unit, and present various assessments.
Additionally, she will share templates for crafting an argumentation writing prompt, provide an argumentation checklist and rubric, and explain how to use these tools within instruction. The valuable and useful resources shared in this session are from Kathy Glass’s book (Re)Designing Argumentation Writing Units. Participants will also receive the book. Register here.
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