Embracing Literacy 2025 Events

Introduction:
Welcome to "Leading With Literacy at Every Level: Empowering Teachers, Classrooms, and Schools for Secondary Success." As educators, we know that literacy is fundamental to students' academic success and personal development. This session invites you to explore the vital role that teachers play in advancing literacy initiatives and fostering a culture that prioritizes reading and writing across all subjects and grade levels.
Together, we will examine how, as educators, we can empower ourselves and our colleagues to lead within our classrooms and schools effectively. You will learn practical strategies to create a literacy-rich environment that engages students and supports their diverse learning needs. We'll discuss how to set clear literacy goals that align with our teaching practices and improve student outcomes.
Throughout our time together, we will highlight collaborative approaches that encourage teamwork among educators, enabling us to share insights, resources, and effective practices. You will gain valuable tools to enhance your instructional techniques through coaching, data analysis, and continuous improvement, all aimed at elevating literacy instruction.
Join us as we delve into the powerful impact of literacy leadership from a teacher's perspective. By embracing our roles as literacy advocates, we can inspire our students to reach their full potential and achieve lasting academic success together. Let’s work collectively to lead with literacy at every level!

Objectives:

1. Role of Literacy in Teaching: Understand the critical role of effective literacy instruction in promoting student engagement and academic success at the secondary level.
2. Setting Instructional Goals: Learn to establish clear, actionable literacy goals that align with curriculum standards and are informed by student performance data.
3. Collaborative Teaching Practices: Explore methods for fostering collaboration among educators to enhance literacy instruction and support diverse learning needs through shared resources and strategies.
4. Empowering Student Learning: Gain practical techniques and strategies to empower students in their literacy development, ensuring they build the necessary skills for academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

• What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
• In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
• How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?

Introduction
Understanding dyslexia is essential for designing equitable and effective instruction. This session explores the intersection of science, lived experience, and practical classroom application. Participants will explore how the brain processes language and examine current research findings on dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Through challenging vignettes and real-world examples, we will illuminate the unique experiences of individuals with dyslexia. By connecting neuroscience to instructional strategies, participants will be equipped to make informed decisions that support all learners, especially those with language and literacy differences.

Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will gain insights into the following:

1. Describe the neurological foundations of reading and how the brain functions differently in individuals with dyslexia.
2. Identify key signs and symptoms of dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
3. Analyze real-life vignettes to deepen understanding of the lived experiences of students with dyslexia.
4. Apply evidence-based interventions and accommodations to strengthen instruction and support students with dyslexia.
5. Make informed instructional decisions based on current research and a deeper understanding of how dyslexia impacts learning.

Credit Reflection Questions: Applying Learning to Practice

• What new insights did you gain from the presentation, and how did they connect to your existing knowledge or experience?
• In what ways did the presentation deepen or enhance your understanding of the topic?
• How do you plan to apply what you learned in your work? Who will benefit from it, and what changes or improvements do you expect to see?