Steps to Literacy I Bundle

The Steps to Literacy I bundle provides access to foundational instructional skills with asynchronous learning modules focused on: An Overview of the Science of Reading, Phonological Awareness, Decoding and Spelling. Successful completion of the course bundle also provides participants with the opportunity to receive a Credentials Unlimited microcredential for their work.

The first module contains content specific to the “science of reading.” This term refers to the research that cognitive scientists, literacy researchers, and expert practitioners have conducted on how individuals learn to read. This body of knowledge has been building for decades and has helped to debunk methods of reading instruction that are based on misguided philosophies and observation, rather than evidence.

The second module explores the research and instructional practices related to Phonological Awareness. This meta-cognitive skill is defined as one’s ability to attend to, discriminate, remember, and manipulate the sound structures of language. Phonological awareness, most specifically phonemic awareness, is an essential skill that underlies a student’s ability to learn to read and spell.

The third module explores the research and instructional practices related to Decoding and Spelling. Phonics and spelling instruction are essential components of any comprehensive literacy program. Teaching students to decode and encode requires not only a systematic scope and sequence but also explicit instructional practices that engage students and provide multiple opportunities to practice tasks until students can complete them at a high criterion level of performance.

Steps to Literacy II Bundle

The Steps to Literacy II bundle provides a deeper dive into foundational instructional skills with asynchronous learning modules focused on Language Comprehension and Written Expression and Vocabulary. Successful completion of the course bundle also provides participants with the opportunity to receive a Credentials Unlimited micro-credential for their work.

The Vocabulary module explores the research and instructional practices related to Vocabulary acquisition and instruction. Researchers generally agree that a four-part approach to vocabulary instruction is most effective in developing the depth, breadth, and fluency necessary for making meaning of text and expressing understanding in writing. This module uncovers a variety of direct and indirect word learning experiences that can be applied to any curriculum or program before, during, or after reading text.

The Integrated Comprehension & Written Expression module explores the research and instructional practices related to language comprehension development, detailed in the upper strands of Scarborough’s reading rope. Comprehension is complex, and a breakdown in any of the components presented can comprise our ability to construct a mental model when reading or effectively express ideas through writing. Through an integrated instructional approach students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support proficient reading comprehension and written expression.

Early Childhood Bundle

The Early Childhood Education bundle provides instruction, resources and tools in three asynchronous learning modules perfect for educators working with emerging readers. Modules include: An Overview of the Science of Reading, Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development, and Phonological Awareness. The first module contains content specific to the “science of reading.” This term refers to the research that cognitive scientists, literacy researchers, and expert practitioners have conducted on how individuals learn to read. This body of knowledge has been building for decades and has helped debunk methods of reading instruction based on misguided philosophies and observation rather than evidence.

The second module features reading researcher Dr. Linnea Ehri narrating the observable reading characteristics of learners from emerging readers in the pre-alphabetic phase through proficient readers in the consolidated phase. This deep understanding of where learners begin their literacy development and the knowledge and skills that allow them to advance into the next phase of reading development is essential for all teachers. The module explores research-based practices for emerging literacy, the developmental progression of foundational literacy skills, and resources to provide targeted instruction to meet learners where they are. A deck of vibrant, printed AIM Animated Alphabet Cards, including instructional scripts to use with each card, is included with each course.

The third module is highly specialized and explores the research and instructional practices related to Phonological Awareness, the first of five core components of reading instruction as identified by the National Reading Panel. This meta-cognitive skill is defined as one’s ability to attend to, discriminate, remember, and manipulate the sound structures of language. Phonological awareness, most specifically phonemic awareness, is an essential skill that underlies a student’s ability to learn to read and spell and, as such, is a critical foundation for emergent readers.