Science of Reading Academy

Presented by California Department of Education, Diagnostic Center, Central California
Based on science of reading research, this course is designed to introduce teachers and other interested professionals to fundamental knowledge and skills needed for effective reading instruction and assessment practices. Knowledge and skills taught in this course are aligned with California Common Core Standards and California Dyslexia Guidelines. This course was created for professionals working in an educational setting and seeking increased understanding and skill in effective reading instruction.

Format

Educators are invited to participate in a blended online course designed to provide fundamental knowledge in reading development grounded in science of reading research, reading assessment knowledge and tools, phonological awareness and phonics instruction, morphology and language-literacy instructional components. Course content is presented through a combination of online independent and instructor led Virtual Professional Learning Community (VPLC) sessions. See our sample Science of Reading Academy Syllabus page or our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more detailed course information. Still have questions? Email Paula Velez for more information - pvelez@dcc-cde.ca.gov.

Training Schedule

Summer 2025 Blended Online Schedule

Date	Unit	Estimated Time
6/9/2025	Unit 1: Introduction & Orthographic Mapping Prepare: Introduction to Science of Reading Assignments Watch Course Recording: Introduction to the Science of Reading (1.5 hours)	3 hours
6/10/2025	Prepare: Orthographic Mapping Assignments Watch Course Recording: What Is Orthographic Mapping? (1.5 hours) Quiz #1	3 hours
6/11/2025	Unit 2: Phonological Awareness Prepare: Phonological Awareness, Part 1 Assignments Watch Course Recording: Phonological Awareness, Part 1 (1.5 hours)	3 hours
6/12/2025	Prepare: Phonological Awareness, Part 2 Assignments Watch Course Recording: Phonological Awareness, Part 2 (1.5 hours) Quiz #2	3 hours
6/13/2025 10:00am - 11:15am Live Zoom Meeting	Virtual Professional Learning Community (VPLC) # 1 This VPLC will provide discussion opportunities & practice activities for Units 1 & 2. Time for participants' questions will also be provided.	1 hour, 15 minutes
6/16/2025	Unit 3: Phonics Prepare: Phonics, Part 1 Assignments (1.5 hours) Watch Course Recording: Phonics Part 1	3 hours
6/17/2025	Prepare: Phonics, Part 2 Assignments Watch Course Recording: Phonics Part 2 (1.5 hours) Quiz #3	3 hours
6/18/2025	Unit 4: Multisyllabic Word Reading & Morphology Prepare: Multisyllabic Word Reading Assignments Watch Course Recording: Multisyllabic Word Reading & Morphology, Part 1 (1.5 hours)	3 hours
6/19/2025	Prepare: Morphology Assignments Watch Course Recording: Multisyllabic Word Reading & Morphology, Part 2 (1.5 hours) Quiz #4	3 hours
6/20/2025 10:00am - 11:15am Live Zoom Meeting	VPLC Group Session # 2 This VPLC will provide discussion opportunities & practice activities for Units 3 & 4. Time for participants' questions will also be provided.	1 hour, 15 minutes
6/23/2025	Unit 5: Reading Assessment for Teachers Prepare: Reading Assessment, Part 1 Assignments Watch Course Recording: Reading Assessment, Part 1 (1.5 hours)	3 hours
6/24/2025	Prepare: Reading Assessment, Part 2 Assignments Watch Course Recording: Reading Assessment, Part 2 (1.5 hours) Quiz #5	3 hours
6/25/2025	Unit 6: Language & Literacy Connections Prepare: Syntax & Semantics in Literacy Assignments Watch Course Recording: Syntax & Semantics in Literacy (1.5 hours)	3 hours
6/26/2025	Prepare: Language & Literacy Connections Assignments Watch Course Recording: Language-Literacy Connections: Putting It All Together (1.5 hours) Quiz #6	3 hours
6/27/2025 10:00am - 11:15am Live Zoom Meeting	VPLC Group Session # 3 This VPLC will provide discussion opportunities & practice activities for Units 5 & 6. Time for participants' questions will also be provided.	1 hour, 15 minutes

Completion of the Science of Reading Academy Course is estimated to take approximately 20 - 30 hours depending on the participant's background knowledge in the science of reading. A certificate for 21 hours of professional learning is provided at the conclusion of the series.

Fee

Participation in this carefully designed, high-quality course is provided at no cost and as a service of the Diagnostic Center Central to registered participants. Space may be limited, however. Course participants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to purchase the three textbooks that are referenced throughout the series.