Training designed to support literacy instruction
We collaborate with schools and districts to design impactful tailored learning experiences for upper elementary through high school teachers. From live, in-person training and coaching to online courses and remote professional development, we offer a range of support to fit schools' or districts' needs. Our customized offerings include formal professional development sessions, data analysis meetings, virtual coaching, and virtual office hours.
Nearly two-thirds of adolescent students read below a proficient level, and long-term data has been stagnant for decades1. As researchers and interventionists, we looked at our field and noticed a void—a dearth of strategies and direction for teaching students foundational reading skills beyond Grade 2. To address this critical gap, we created professional learning opportunities that use the highest-quality data to meaningfully inform instruction for students in Grades 3-12.
1U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics (2022). National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2022 Nation’s Report Card.
Tracy Handy
Literacy Specialist
Dr. Margaret Opatz
Reading Research Scientist
Ryan Hershey
Literacy Specialist
Professional Development sessions are customized, school-based offerings designed to focus on using data to inform reading instruction. These sessions typically include 10-30 educators and last approximately 7 hours. They occur three times during the school year and can be delivered in-person or virtually. The aim of these sessions is to enhance the reading instruction skills of educators by leveraging meaningful data.
We offer detailed data analysis meetings at the district-, school-, and student-level. These meetings are most effective following the first administration of an assessment or after benchmark assessments. An Instructional Recommendations Report provides educators with direction and resources spanning all tiers of instruction. Data-based actionable steps support effective implementation and ensure ongoing reflection, allowing your school to review the effectiveness of instructional changes and adjust accordingly.
Virtual Coaching sessions are designed for small groups, typically including six or fewer educators. Each session lasts between 30-60 minutes and occur on a monthly basis throughout the school year. These sessions are perfect for grade level PLC meetings and provide an opportunity for educators to review data, discuss interventions, or delve into other topics of interest or concern. This type of engagement allows for more personalized support and guidance, catering to the unique needs of participating educators.
Virtual Office Hours are designed to provide educators with the opportunity to consult and problem solve with our team. During these sessions, educators can bring their questions, share their challenges, and discuss strategies related to data analysis and reading instruction. These office hours are flexible and can be scheduled at a convenient time for educators, offering a valuable resource for personalized, ongoing support.