Sample Science of Reading Academy Syllabus
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This is a sample syllabus intended to illustrate the time commitment required for completion of this course. This is only an example - course content and videos are subject to change.
All Sessions Will Be Virtual - Time TBD
Format
Educators are invited to participate in 12 live interactive training sessions, self-paced individual study, and personalized support in the area of reading instruction over the course of 4.5 months.
Goal
To provide educators with a knowledge foundation in science of reading research and practices, and hands-on practical skills with individualized support for each participant.
Description
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. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in live interactive training sessions, independent readings to improve teaching practice, connect with other reading teachers, and receive tailored, individualized support from our team of language and literacy specialists.
This course is intended for professionals working in an educational setting and seeking increased understanding and skill in evidence-based reading instruction. In order to receive certification of course completion, participants are expected to attend webinar sessions, complete relevant reading and application activities.
Fee
Participation in the course is free to teachers in California Public schools. However, space may be limited and administrator permission will be required in order to complete assignments related to teaching practice. Participants will be asked to purchase three textbooks that will be used throughout the course.
Textbooks
- Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures, Revised 2nd Edition
(2018) edited by Linda Diamond & B.J. Thorsnes. Novato, CA: Arena Press. (Approximate cost $49)
- Teaching Reading Sourcebook, 3rd Edition
(2018) by Bill Honig, Linda Diamond & Linda Gutlohn. Novato, CA: Arena Press. (Approximate cost $85)
Note: Discount may be available for the combined purchase of Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures, Revised 2nd Edition
and Teaching Reading Sourcebook, 3rd Edition
. (Approximate cost $125)
- Kilpatrick, D. (2016). Equipped for reading success: a comprehensive, step by step program for developing phonemic awareness and fluent word recognition.
Syracuse, NY: Casey & Kirsch Publishers. (Approximate cost $50)
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of how reading connections are made in the brain
- Be familiar with research-based resources for teaching reading available in print and online
- Identify the essential evidence-based components and principles of structured literacy instruction
- Understand key reading terms including: phonological awareness, concepts of print, orthographic mapping, phonics, and morphology
- Learn about various reading assessments and interpreting assessment results to guide instruction
- Know and be able to produce correct letter sounds for instruction
- Learn strategies that support multisyllabic word reading and vocabulary development
- Apply understanding of important reading concepts to identifying student learning needs
Teaching/Learning Strategies
- Reading from course textbooks
- Other readings as assigned, such as online articles and research
- Participation in live training sessions and discussions
- Watching recommended webinars and demonstration videos
- Completion of application activities in current teaching context
- Feedback and consultation with specialists
- Role playing/simulation during training sessions
Preparation
To receive the most benefit from this course, participants will be asked to engage in various self-study activities such as: reading assigned sections from text, related from research, viewing recommended videos, and practicing suggested strategies within the educational setting. With this in mind, participants are asked to prepare for teaching sessions by completing the Read/Watch assignments before each teaching session. Suggested Readings, office hours, and the Dyslexia Forum are all considered optional opportunities for further learning in this course. The office hours and individual consultation offered upon request are especially valuable for educators wishing to receive more personalized support from our team of specialists.
Before First Meeting
- Obtain Administrator/Supervisor Approval
- Register
- Purchase Textbooks
Science of Reading Academy Team Members
Name | |
---|---|
Paula Velez, M.A. | pvelez@dcc-cde.ca.gov |
Gwen Deeter, M.A. | gdeeter@dcc-cde.ca.gov |
Patricia Deroian, M.A. | pderoian@dcc-cde.ca.gov |
Jodie Dittmar, M.S. | jdittmar@dcc-cde.ca.gov |
Course Sequence
Unit 1
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Introduction to Science of Reading | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
What Is Orthographic Mapping? | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Suggested Unit 1 Reading: Teaching Reading IS Rocket Science, 2020: What Expert Teachers of Reading Should Know and Be Able to Do by Louisa Moats
(PDF)
Unit 2
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Phonological Awareness: What It Is & Why It Matters | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Phonological Awareness Teaching Strategies | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Optional Office Hour | Open meeting to discuss any topic related to Unit 1 or 2 | None |
Unit 3
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Decoding & Word Recognition: What It Is & Why It Matters | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Decoding & Word Recognition: Teaching Strategies | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Unit 4
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Teaching Syllabication & Morphology | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Teaching Vocabulary & Comprehension | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Optional Office Hour | Open meeting to discuss any topic related to Unit 3 or 4 | None |
Unit 5
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Reading Assessment Tools | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Using Reading Assessments to Inform Instruction | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Unit 6
Course | Assignments | Estimated Time |
---|---|---|
Syntax & Semantics in Structured Literacy | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Structured Literacy Teaching Practices | Read:
Watch:
|
Prep Work: 1.5 hours
Presentation: 1.5 hours |
Optional Meeting & Final Celebration | Join us for an open discussion of the final two units and to celebrate all that you have learned! Links to the full course evaluation will be sent at this meeting as well. | None |
Quick Links
- Overview of DCC Services
- Assessment Referral Process
- Professional Development Manual
- Request a Training
- Upcoming Events
- Training Calendar
- Science of Reading Academy
- Tech Tuesday
- AAC Implementation for School Teams
September 8, 2023, October 13, 2023, December 8, 2023, February 9, 2024 - Dyslexia Forum
October 20, 2023
- California Department of Education
- Employment Opportunities