Description

DESCRIPTION:

Good news - approximately 90-95% of all K-3 students can achieve literacy skills at or approaching grade level! Bad news - it takes approximately 17 years to turn 14% of original research into practice for the benefit of students. In this course, district and school-level instructional leaders will be provided with the scientifically based knowledge and tools needed to close the research-to-practice gap.

Course includes:

• 4 sessions with CREA facilitators (two zoom meetings, two in-person learning days)
• Ideas and materials for leading future Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s)
• Classroom observation and feedback tool for foundation skill instruction with specific ‘look-fors’ and red flags
• Template for school-wide implementation and de-implementation plan 
• Content aligned to the IDA's Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading
• CEU available for additional cost

DELIVERY: This multi-day professional learning opportunity will include Online AND Face-to-Face sessions with assignments to complete between sessions:

Session 1: Back-to-School: Reading Simulation-April 8th, 2026 (Complete Pre-Assignments)

Prepare to be fully engaged with your web camera and mic on through this immersive, interactive reading experience. 

After the session you will have until April 27th to complete the following:

• Print or electronic access to early literacy data (specific metrics will be provided)
• Print or electronic access to a copy of your building schedule 
• Print or electronic access to the reading report submitted this fall to meet ND Century Code 15.1-21-12.1 (directions to pull PDF from SLDS will be provided)

Sessions 2 & 3 (Face-to-Face): How the Brain Learns to Read and the Implications for Reading Instruction and Assessment - (April 27th & 28th)

Learn about the last five decades of research that allow educators to assess, teach, and improve student outcomes through prevention of reading difficulties. 

After the session you will have until May 7th to complete the following: 

• Complete a classroom walk through using an observation tool provided at Session 1
• Examine your data using key metrics
• Set a goal and identify next steps to implement in your building

Session 4 (Virtual): Capstone - May 7th, 2026

Each participant will share the results of their data analysis and classroom observation(s).  What next step(s) will you take in your building?  Be prepared to share for 5 minutes.

AUDIENCE: Curriculum Directors, Higher Education, Instructional Coach, Elementary Principal, School Psychologist, Special Education

PRESENTERS:

• Kaley Mills, CREA PD Specialist
• Colette Cunningham, CREA PD Specialist

CREDIT: 1 graduate credit is available for individuals who attend all required sessions, complete all required assignments, and submit the credit application fee.