Applying The Science of Reading Principles in the Content Areas (Grades 6-12)
| This online course for teachers is designed to guide educators of every content area through a variety of strategies and interventions, all of which are based on reading science so that students’ overall comprehension is positively impacted. The course begins by demystifying the science of reading, and from there, takes a deep dive into both the word recognition strand and the language comprehension strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Teachers are guided through each strand so that they completely understand how decoding, background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge all weave together to create the complex process known as reading. Teachers will also understand how to address the needs of struggling students in any content area through the exploration of root words, prefixes, suffixes, academic vocabulary, and direct instruction. Teachers will learn specific strategies to access students’ background and cross-curricular knowledge as they work to improve their analytical reading and writing skills as they engage with complex texts. Finally, teachers will learn a variety of literacy routines that support content literacy, such as CLOZE activities, choral reading, text puzzles, and student-created tests. By the end of this continuing education course, content area teachers will gain increased confidence and proficiency in effectively facilitating the science of reading principles to increase students’ proficiency as they continue their journey in reading to learn.
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Best Practices for a Successful Classroom
| *4 courses offered to cover different grade bands
This online course for teachers covers strategies for implementing the grade level standards, while managing time so that all content is covered. Common issues are covered along with overall classroom management techniques. Teachers learn how to maximize the resources which are available to them as well as find innovative ways to gain more resources at little-to-no cost. This course also explores successful strategies for gaining students’ attention and interest, and truly engaging them in lessons. Teachers will also learn how to respond to a variety of teaching challenges, including how to effectively reach their most at-risk populations such as students with special needs and those living in poverty. Mainstreaming English language learners and techniques for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all students is covered as well. Finally, tips for working with parents are also shared. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will feel better prepared to successfully manage their classroom. For more information, visit the website. |
Teaching Students with Special Needs in the Mainstream Classroom Grades K-6
This course teaches K-6 educators how to address students with special needs in the general classroom. This online course for teachers begins by providing a clear definition and scope of special needs. Then, the course provides information about teacher involvement in the special education process in terms of assessment, intervention, and collaboration. A variety of suggestions for working with students who have special needs such as learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, communication disorders, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory impairments, and low-incidence disabilities are provided. Also included are strategies to assist English language learners, students who are considered at-risk, and gifted and talented students. Each special need is defined, and common causes and characteristics are identified, along with suggested instructional strategies. Intervention strategies and classroom adaptations are also provided to help teachers accommodate students with special needs in an inclusive classroom.
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Teaching Primary Grade Math Problem-Solving Skills Grades K-2
| This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades K-2 who want to help their students become critical and logical mathematical thinkers. Specific strategies are introduced to improve the way students approach math problems. Teachers will learn specific and effective strategies and techniques for teaching students how to problem solve including using manipulatives, grouping strategies, student-centered teaching, and using quality literature. Problem solving in the following areas of math are included: place value, number sense, geometry, measurement, and data. Differentiation techniques to address the problem-solving skill levels of all your students are shared. Appropriate assessment techniques specific to the problem-solving process are provided.
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Targeted Instruction and Interventions with Reading Strategy Groups Grades K-5
This online course for teachers begins by discussing the elements and benefits of reading strategy groups. Since strategy groups are based on assessment, the course delves into a variety of assessment types and approaches. Throughout the course, teachers learn how to use research-based best practices to choose strategies, books, and activities for before, during, and after reading. Teachers will also learn specific reading strategies for working with English language learners and those who struggle with reading. Teachers will learn how to build students’ stamina and engagement as they work to become successful, independent readers. Teachers will learn the importance of relying on the science of reading as they work with their students across all areas of reading.
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Supporting Students Using a MTSS Framework Grades 6-12
This online course for teachers is designed for educators in grades 6-12 who want to learn how to use a multi-tiered system to support all their students’ academic, behavior, and social-emotional needs. Universal screening measures are examined as well as using data to guide decisions within the classroom, with a focus on identifying students at-risk for poor academic outcomes. Information on academic supports is shared including universal design for learning, culturally responsive teaching, differentiated instruction, and instilling a growth mindset in students. Specific multi-tiered strategies are introduced to help teachers support students who struggle behaviorally. Teachers will learn the importance of utilizing reinforcement techniques, extinction plans, functional behavior assessments, and behavior intervention plans. A variety of social-emotional strategies are also discussed, including social skills instruction and the impact school climate has on students’ mental health.
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Supporting Math Foundational Skills in the Primary Grades Grades K-3
| This online course for teachers provides K-3 educators with a toolbox of both information and activities that can be used to support students who struggle to understand and grasp both the meaning and the manipulation of basic math principles. Some of the topics include counting and cardinality, counting objects, rote counting, number sense of quantity, counting on and back, operations of addition and subtraction, composing and decomposing numbers, the application of mathematical foundational skills within the problem-solving process, and guiding students to use their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to make real-world connections. Teachers will also learn how to determine student levels and how to choose and design assessments to best utilize the resources that are available within a typical math curriculum. As teachers work through this course, they will learn how to create meaningful and engaging activities in order to promote student ownership, and they will learn how to establish home connections so that those mathematical habits of mind can flourish.
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Responsive Classroom Management for the Primary Grades Grades K-3
This online course for teachers begins by introducing different management styles and helping you find just the right fit for your classroom. The course also addresses the importance of creating a trusting environment for students so they feel both engaged and motivated to learn. Some of the most daunting classroom management issues are addressed including how to keep your students motivated, working with diverse student populations, and response to intervention. Issues related to social-emotional learning will also be fully explored. Teachers will also learn about the importance of being organized, as well as how to create clear and concise rules and routines which have logical consequences. Suggestions for the best ways to connect character education to classroom management are explored. Rounding out the course is managing small groups, establishing a solid home-school connection, and how to prevent and address bullying issues.
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Reading Workshop Approach in the Middle Grades Grades 4-8
This online course for teachers begins by establishing the foundations of implementing a reader’s workshop approach in your classroom. Then, commonly used and easy to administer assessment options are provided that can help teachers build group reading profiles. Once groups are established, teachers learn how to choose appropriate leveled books, how to help students set realistic goals, and how to confer with students about skills and strategies for independent growth to achieve maximum results. Teachers will also learn how to create learning stations that allow students some voice and choice. Suggestions for motivating students including creating book talks are shared. Differentiation strategies are also provided so that teachers may reach students at all skill levels. There is also an emphasis on management and routines to help the reader’s workshop run effectively and efficiently.
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Reading Interventions for Middle School Students Grades 6-8
This online course for teachers is designed for educators who work with readers in grades 6-8 who are one to four years behind the appropriate reading level. The course materials are based on current best-practices research on helping students with reading difficulties. Topics addressed in the course include assessment and diagnosis of reading difficulties, differentiation strategies, fluency skills, vocabulary development, and cognitive reading strategies. Key comprehension strategies such as how to summarize and infer are presented along with fix-it strategies students can use when they begin to struggle. Specific vocabulary topics presented include the three tiers of words, self-collection, using context clues, and the importance of direct instruction. Teachers will also learn how to develop individual reading profiles and reading plans based on assessment data. Finally, teachers will learn how to best select appropriate reading materials for those who struggle.
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