The Science of Reading Featuring Small Group Structured Literacy Instruction K-2

Course Overview

Looking for a practical, hands-on professional development experience? This course, designed for educators serving readers at the K–2, integrates research from education, psychology, and cognitive neuroscience to support data interpretation, planning targeted small group instruction, and delivering structured literacy lessons. Our unique lesson structures are text-aligned, guide students through the phases of word recognition, and weave together phonics, vocabulary, phonemic awareness, syntax, fluency, and comprehension.

Educators will leave equipped with intervention and/or small routines, planning templates, and six months of access to pre-planned structured literacy lessons — ready to immediately improve outcomes for students reading at the K-2 level.

Audience: Elementary school educators supporting students reading at the K-2 level who are either below benchmark in reading and at-risk of a reading disability or have been identified with dyslexia or a specific learning disability in reading.

15 PDPS (Self-Guided)

Earn 15 professional development hours through this flexible, self-guided online course. Work at your own pace, on your own schedule, and apply your learning directly to your practice as you go.

This option is ideal for educators seeking meaningful PD credit without the commitment of a graded assignment.

Enroll for $225

One Graduate Credit (Self-Guided)

Earn one graduate credit hour through this self-guided online course, completed at your own pace over 15 hours of instruction. In addition to the core course content, participants complete a final culminating assignment designed to deepen reflection and demonstrate applied understanding. A rigorous, flexible option for educators pursuing graduate-level credit.

*Additional fee of $75 is paid to Gordon College

Enroll for $225

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of reading development.
Interpret early literacy screening data to identify students at-risk for reading difficulties and group students by instructional focus area (e.g. accuracy, fluency, comprehension).
Plan targeted small group instruction based on students’ focus areas.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and components of Structured Literacy.
Plan & practice the delivery of targeted small group structured literacy lessons to support students’ reading development in elementary school.
Demonstrate an understanding of the phases of reading development

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Depending on the course format, content is delivered self-guided modules that provide content through narrated slide decks, instructional demonstrations, and supplemental readings.

Carolyn D,

Literacy Specialist, Dexter Southfield

I would highly recommend this course to any educator looking to deepen their understanding of structured literacy. It provides clear, research-backed strategies for teaching reading and writing. The backward planning approach and focus on systematic phonics instruction really help create a strong foundation for students. The course is engaging and offers practical tools that you can immediately apply in the classroom

Raegen D,

Classroom Teacher, New Bedford Public Schools

The strategies are practical and can be applied immediately in the classroom, and the course emphasizes data-driven decision making, so you can confidently meet the needs of all students. Overall, it’s a great way to build both knowledge and confidence in teaching reading effectively.

Pre-Planned Literacy Lessons for Students Reading at a K-2 Level

Learn More about our 20-minute, Pre-Planned Structured Literacy Routines for Readers at a K-2nd Grade Level.

Learn More