Study of Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling Part l

Presented by Carol Tolman, Ed.D.
July 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 2010 (6 days)
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This course is a study of the theory behind current scientifically - based methods of teaching reading as identified by the National Reading Panel (NRP) and subsequent national and international research efforts. It includes the study of phonology, morphology, and orthography, crucial, but not sufficient language systems upon which proficient reading depends. Focus is placed on English language structure as it is processed during decoding and encoding. Insight into these foundational
skills of the English language will support knowledge for the instruction of a diverse group of students, including those with disabilities, students from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and high-achieving students. (Covers LETRS Modules 1, 2, 3, 5, 7) Grades K-12

About LETRS

LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) is a professional development program that responds to the need for high-quality literacy educators at all levels. Developed by Louisa C. Moats, Ed.D., LETRS provides the deep foundational knowledge necessary to understand how students learn to read, write, and spell—and why some of them struggle.

The program's underlying principles are the groundwork in many scientific research reports, including “Blueprint for Professional Development,” Reading First Leadership Academy, U.S. Department of Education (Moats, 2002); “The Missing Foundation in Teacher Education,” American Educator (Moats, 1995); and “Measuring Teachers' Content Knowledge of Language and Reading,” Annals of Dyslexia (Moats and Foorman, 2003).

LETRS provides educators with a core understanding of language structure and helps them gain in-depth instructional information to complement their teaching practices. Rather than replacing the core basal reading program, LETRS brings deeper knowledge of reading instruction by addressing each component– phoneme awareness; phonics, decoding, spelling, and word study; oral language development; vocabulary; reading fluency; comprehension; and writing–as well as the foundational concepts that link them.

LETRS Core Modules

Grades K–12
Twelve core print modules are at the center of the LETRS program. Each of the individual LETRS modules covers a key ingredient of effective reading instruction. As a whole, the print modules are designed to serve as a complete professional development course for reading teachers and coaches at all grade levels. LETRS modules provide the foundational knowledge requirements that reading teachers and coaches at all grade levels can use to be more effective.

LETRS module content is delivered best in special LETRS Institutes by certified LETRS trainers, but the print modules are also available separately so that educators can choose instructional topics to study on their own. When used in their sequential order, LETRS modules are a valuable reference resource that educators will reach for time and time again.

LETRS modules use easy-to-understand language. Essential teaching concepts are underscored with engaging questions, problems, and tasks that emphasize the concept’s real-life application. Videos and other support resources are recommended, and educators can check their knowledge of LETRS content with the self-tests that bookend every LETRS module.