Embracing Literacy 2025 Events

Embracing Literacy 2025 Events

We’re excited you’ll be joining us for these upcoming professional learning opportunities! June 9th sessions are available exclusively to registered participants of the Language and Literacy Symposium. From June 10th –12th, all registrants of the Embracing Literacy: Soaring with Language and Literacy Conference are welcome to attend a wide range of engaging sessions designed to elevate language and literacy practices across our communities.

We look forward to learning and growing together!

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

arrow_back View All Dates

8:00am MDT

☀️ Good Morning and Welcome!📚

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am MDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:00am - 8:15am MDT
Main Ballroom

8:15am MDT

Curious, Not Conflicted: Examining Controversies in the Science of Reading

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:

This keynote takes on a tricky truth: even in the science of reading, not all experts see eye to eye. While some ideas are well established, others are still up for debate—with passionate voices on all sides. The presentation walks through key areas of disagreement and helps teachers make sense of the noise. Instead of waiting for perfect consensus, it encourages educators to stay curious, focus on strong evidence, and make thoughtful choices that work for their students.

This keynote takes on a tricky truth: even in the science of reading, not all experts see eye to eye. While some ideas are well established, others are still up for debate—with passionate voices on all sides. The presentation walks through key areas of disagreement and helps teachers make sense of the noise. Instead of waiting for perfect consensus, it encourages educators to stay curious, focus on strong evidence, and make thoughtful choices that work for their students.

Objectives:

Identify key areas of agreement and disagreement among experts within the science of reading.
Analyze how differing viewpoints in the field influence instructional practices and decision-making.
Evaluate claims and recommendations by applying principles of strong research evidence and scientific reasoning.
Reflect on how to remain professionally curious and open-minded in a landscape where not all answers are settled.
Apply practical strategies for making informed, student-centered instructional choices despite ongoing debates in the field.

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?

Speakers

Anna Geiger

CEO, The Measured Mom

I'm a former balanced literacy teacher, now devoted to the science of reading and structured literacy practices. I'm the author of Reach All Readers, host of the Triple R Teaching podcast, and creator of The Measured Mom website. I also love talking about my kids. My oldest is headed... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 8:15am - 9:15am MDT
Main Ballroom

9:30am MDT

Accelerating Progress with a Speech to Print Intervention

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
In this session, we will explore the rationale of a speech to print (S2P) approach to teaching reading while noting some important differences to many phonics programs. We will examine the S2P advantage and provide practical examples of instructional strategies that will accelerate student progress in closing reading gaps.

Objectives:
Explain and apply several speech to print instructional strategies to accelerate progress in the small group intervention setting.

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?

Speakers

Crystal Lenhart

Literacy Consultant, LenPo Learning

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 1

9:30am MDT

Building Bridges: Creating a Family Literacy Night

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
Family engagement plays a vital role in student success, particularly in literacy. This workshop equips educators and district administrators with the tools and plans to host their own Family Literacy Night. Using free resources from the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE), participants will explore strategies to engage families, demonstrate structured literacy practices, and create interactive, hands-on activities. The session provides practical ideas and take-home resources to help families understand and support their child's literacy development at home.

Objectives:
Gain actionable ideas for hosting their own Family Literacy Night, fostering meanginful school-to-home literacy connections

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?

Speakers

Kathleen Law

Partner Success Manager, IMSE

Kathleen Law, M.Ed., is the Partner Success Manager for the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE). She brings 14 years of classroom experience as a first- and second-grade teacher in Oregon. Kathleen holds an IMSE Orton-Gillingham certification Level 3 and is a CERI-certified... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 2

9:30am MDT

Catching Them Before They Fall: Data-Based Decision-Making in MTSS

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Participants will delve into the critical process of utilizing universal screening data to enhance literacy outcomes within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework. This session will guide educators through practical data analysis and collaborative strategies. Key components will include understanding universal screening data, making data-driven decisions, leading effective data meetings, continuous progress monitoring, and instructional adjustments. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical strategies to transform screening data into actionable steps, leading to improved literacy instruction and student outcomes.

Credit Reflection Questions:

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?

Speakers

Dr. Erin Pzinski

PZ Literacy, LLC

A Wyoming native, Dr. Erin Pzinski is the K-12 Literacy Facilitator for Weston County School District #1 in Newcastle, a National LETRS Facilitator, and a graduate of the Reading Science Doctoral program at Mount St. Joseph University. Early in her career, Erin participated in LETRS... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 3 & 4

9:30am MDT

Intentional Planning of Language Comprehension to Develop Proficient Readers and Writers

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:

During this session, participants will dive into the understanding that comprehension is not a skill but rather an outcome. We will explore evidence-based strategies to use during and after reading that support students in building background knowledge and focusing their attention on critical content. Through hands-on activities, we will practice text dependent questions, question types and planning for questions. All while discussing how to adapt these techniques for diverse learners, including struggling readers and English learners. Attendees will leave with practical resources, templates, and actionable steps to implement these strategies and foster proficient readers and writers. Whether you're a teacher, coach, or administrator, this session will equip you with tools to drive meaningful student outcomes and bridge the gap between reading comprehension and writing proficiency.

Session Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain why reading comprehension is an outcome, not a discrete skill, supported by evidence-based research.
Apply strategies that build background knowledge and focus attention on key content during and after reading.
Develop and adapt text-dependent questions to support diverse learners, including struggling readers and multilingual learners.
Implement practical tools and templates that connect reading comprehension with writing proficiency across instructional roles.

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?

Speakers

Kim Penn

Consultant, Side-by-Side Consulting

Kim Penn has over 18 years of educational leadership and coaching experience working at the district and state level to support classroom teachers, instructional coaches and leaders to navigate the implementation of evidence-based literacy practices into the classroom. She works virtually... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 5

9:30am MDT

Leveraging Science of Reading Leaders to Improve and Sustain Literacy Gains

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
This presentation will explore how schools and districts can strategically utilize staff members who are Science of Reading (SoR) leaders to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes. Participants will learn how to leverage these leaders as instructional coaches, professional development facilitators, and collaborative team members to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading practices. The session will also highlight ways to create sustainable systems that empower SoR leaders to drive long-term literacy success.

Objectives:
1. Understand the Role of Science of Reading Leaders – Define key responsibilities and best practices for SoR leaders within a school or district.
2. Learn Effective Coaching & Mentorship Strategies – Explore how SoR leaders can support teachers through modeling, feedback, and collaborative planning.
3. Develop a Plan for Professional Development – Identify ways to integrate SoR leaders into structured, ongoing literacy training for staff.
4. Create Systems for Sustainability – Learn how to build a culture of literacy excellence by embedding SoR leadership into school-wide and district-wide initiatives.
5. Maximize Impact on Student Learning – Discover data-driven approaches to measure the effectiveness of SoR leadership and adjust strategies as needed.

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?

Speakers

Ariel Bobson

Literacy Partner, Lexia

Hi All! I'm the Lexia Literacy Partner for Northern Colorado and I look forward to another inspiring year at COALAS. Stop by the Lexia booth for some swag and to chat about boosting literacy and language outcomes for your students. Can't wait to see you there!

Kelly Storebo

LETRS State Success Manager - West Region, Lexia Learning

Becky Lewis

Lexia

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Salon 6

9:30am MDT

Supporting Adolescent Content Knowledge and Comprehension through Quality Vocabulary Instruction

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
Research in adolescent literacy clearly shows that understanding word meaning increases content knowledge and comprehension. In this session, we will introduce research-based instructional practices that teachers can use to select content-rich and critical words for focused instruction. Next, we will explore with teachers how to use teacher assessment and student self-assessment to inform instructional practices in vocabulary, including assessments at the beginning of instruction to gauge where students are, during instruction to understand how students are progressing in knowledge development, and after instruction to determine next steps for the future. Finally, and most importantly, we will provide engaging and meaningful vocabulary instructional tools for use across disciplines that are designed to develop sophisticated and flexible knowledge of key words. The format of the session will be interactive, applied, and engaging. Participants will be given resources that can easily be adapted to their own classroom settings.

Objectives:
1. Identify content-rich and critical words for focused instruction
2. Assess students’ knowledge of word meanings throughout the instructional process
3. Provide engaging and meaningful opportunities for students to learn word meanings.

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?

Speakers

Dr. Leslie Rush

Wyoming Excellence Chair in Literacy Education, University of Wyoming

Leslie S. Rush is Wyoming Excellence Chair in Literacy Education and professor in the College of Education at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Rush has received the University of Wyoming's John P. Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award and the Promoting Intellectual Engagement... Read More →

Dr. Todd Reynolds

Associate Professor, University of Wyoming

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Timber

9:30am MDT

The Power of Progress Monitoring: Driving Meaningful Student Growth

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Unlock the full potential of your MTSS with effective progress monitoring! In this engaging session, we’ll explore how data-driven progress monitoring can transform student support. Learn best practices for post-screening intervention planning and discover how technology can streamline decision-making, empowering educators with the insights they need to drive meaningful student outcomes.

Objectives

Differentiate progress monitoring assessment from other types of assessment
Identify the placement of progress monitoring assessment within a data-based decision-making framework
Learn how to use progress monitoring to change student outcomes within your MTSS

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?

Speakers

Alisa Dorman

CEO President, Acadience

Alex Frazier

Vice President of Professional Learning at Acadience and President of The Reading League Colorado, Acadience

Alex Frazier, Ed.S., is the Vice President of Professional Learning at Acadience Learning Inc. and the President of The Reading League Colorado. Ms. Frazier is a life-long learner, passionate about promoting and supporting the collaborative implementation of evidence-aligned practices... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Birch

9:30am MDT

The Science of Writing: From Pedagogy to Practice

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction
We’ve all heard about the science of reading, but what about the Science of Writing? In this session, we’ll examine research and methodology from writing expert and Savvas author, Dr. Young-Suk Kim. Participants will gain insight into the foundational writing skills that reflect best practices in a "science of writing" classroom and engage in writing routines that foster meaningful writing experiences for students of all abilities.

Objectives
Identify student writing gaps and strengths, better understand the needs of foundational writing, map student writing growth across age-appropriate levels, connect the practices of the science of reading and the science of writing.
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?

Speakers

Beth Varosky

Curriculum Specialist, Savvas Learning Company

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Aspen

10:45am MDT

Building Capacity for Early Literacy Leadership

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
When it comes to early literacy, we focus a lot of our time, energy, and resources on professional learning and coaching teachers, and our teachers deserve it! However, we don't always consider the professional growth needs of our school leaders, who are key players in student literacy learning. In this session, participants will learn the key instructional leadership practices necessary for district leaders, principals/assistant principals, and coaches to effectively support teachers in delivering research-based early literacy instruction driven by high-quality instructional materials. Participants will hear video testimonials from school leaders who have participated in targeted early literacy leadership training, gain helpful tools & resources for literacy leadership (including free professional learning modules focused on the science of reading), and reflect on their literacy leadership practices. The session will be presented by SchoolKit, a national professional learning partner organization that has worked with 10+ states and over 80 districts to help them increase the quality of literacy instruction.

Objectives:
Understand and reflect on specific instructional leadership moves that leaders can make to strengthen early literacy instruction.

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?

Speakers

Ethan Mitnick

President and Founder, SchoolKit

Ethan is the President and founder of SchoolKit. He leads the 40-member SchoolKit team and provides strategic leadership and guidance for several of SchoolKit’s state and district partnerships. Ethan constantly works to ensure the close connection between SchoolKit's services and... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Timber

10:45am MDT

Comprehension: Innovations in Assessment and Instruction. Powered by Wyoming’s Dr. Douglas Petersen, Dr. Trina Spencer and the Language Dynamics Group.

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

From Wyoming to Wyoming: Dr. Douglas Petersen from the University of Wyoming, Dr. Trina Spencer, and Camryn Lettich present:

Session Description:
This session introduces a practical roadmap for using the Language Dynamics Group’s tools—CUBED-3, DYMOND, PEARL, Story Champs, and Story Champs AAC—to support language and literacy within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).CUBED-3 is a universal screening, benchmarking, and progress monitoring tool that measures all the strands of Scarborough's Reading Rope. CUBED offers educators a powerful tool for tracking language growth and identifying students in need of additional support.
Participants will learn how DYMOND identifies students with dyslexia or language disorder based on how they learn, rather than what they know, offering unparalleled sensitivity and cultural-linguistic responsiveness.PEARL is a dyslexia and language disorder screener for preschool and kindergarten that yields detailed, criterion-referenced data. The session will also highlight how Story Champs and Story Champs AAC deliver effective, engaging instruction across tiers, supporting students with a range of communication needs. Together, these tools help educators and SLPs make informed decisions and strengthen MTSS for all learners.

Objectives:

Describe the complementary roles of dynamic assessment (DYMOND and PEARL) and benchmark monitoring (CUBED) in identifying students with language-based learning needs within a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
Explain how structured language interventions, such as Story Champs, can be implemented across Tiers 1, 2, and 3 to support vocabulary, syntax, and discourse development.
Identify ways educators and administrators can lead equitable screening and intervention efforts to support students with and without developmental language disorder (DLD) and dyslexia.

Presented by Language Dynamics Group

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?

Speakers

Camryn Lettich

Language Dynamics Group

Dr. Douglas Peterson

Language Dynamics Group

Dr. Trina Spencer

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 6

10:45am MDT

How to Get Started with Morphology

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:

If English spelling feels like a mess of rules and exceptions, this session is here to change your mind. Morphology—the study of word parts like bases, prefixes, and suffixes—reveals the logic behind spelling that phonics alone can’t explain. This isn’t just for older students or advanced readers. From the earliest grades on, morphology helps students understand why words are spelled the way they are. You’ll explore key principles, learn how to use word sums and matrices, and walk away with tools that bring meaning and structure to spelling for every grade level.

Objectives:

Explain the role of morphology in making sense of English spelling beyond phonics instruction.
Identify key morphological components, including bases, prefixes, and suffixes, and how they contribute to word meaning and structure.
Demonstrate how to construct and use word sums and matrices to support students' understanding of spelling patterns.
Recognize the value of introducing morphological instruction starting in the early grades.
Apply practical strategies and tools to integrate morphology into classroom instruction across all grade levels.

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?

Speakers

Anna Geiger

CEO, The Measured Mom

I'm a former balanced literacy teacher, now devoted to the science of reading and structured literacy practices. I'm the author of Reach All Readers, host of the Triple R Teaching podcast, and creator of The Measured Mom website. I also love talking about my kids. My oldest is headed... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 5

10:45am MDT

Intensive Reading Intervention Training

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

Session Description
This session details how we used embedded, ongoing professional development for
special and general education interventionists in our school district to enhance reading
intervention instruction. We will detail the impetus and conception of the training and
how the training has supported a variety of school district employees including special
education teachers, general education interventionists, and administrators. Participants
will leave with ideas for how to incorporate an intensive reading intervention training
program for their school district.

Objectives:
Understand how phased professional development can enhance intensive reading
intervention training.

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?

Speakers

Dr. Kelsey Walker

Secondary Literacy Coach & MTSS Coach, Goshen County School District #1

Dr. Kelsey Walker is a CERI-certified structured literacy dyslexia specialist and a secondary literacy coach and MTSS coach at Goshen County School District in Torrington, Wyoming. She earned her Ed.D. at the University of Nebraska. Kelsey is interested in interdisciplinary literacy... Read More →

Taren Hendricks

K-5 Literacy Coach, Goshen County School District

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 2

10:45am MDT

Reigniting Educator Investment and Engagement in Professional Learning

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

This session will explore how integrating peer observations into a multifaceted approach to professional learning can sustain teacher engagement and foster a culture of continuous growth within school districts. Using one district's journey to enhance small group reading instruction aligned with evidence-based practices and the science of reading, we’ll demonstrate how peer observations can improve instructional efficacy, empower teachers, and drive lasting change. Through interactive activities—such as a case study discussion, insights from a district leader, building principal, literacy coach, and teacher shared via recorded video, and hands-on application to one’s own district—attendees will gain actionable strategies for implementing peer observations. Participants will also receive practical tools and a planning guide to help develop their next steps for creating sustainable, impactful professional learning that cultivates ongoing growth. This session is designed for educators and leaders seeking to strengthen their professional learning culture and maintain momentum beyond the initial stages of implementation.

Objectives:

1: Examine the characteristics, structures, and research behind peer observations as a tool for professional learning. 2: Explore how structured peer observations can improve small group reading instruction aligned with evidence-based instructional practices and the science of reading while fostering a culture of continuous growth.
3: Investigate how administrators and coaches can design and support peer observation programs that reflect a shared vision of effective practice and are integrated into a multifaceted, ongoing approach to professional learning.
4: Gain insights into the challenges and successes of peer observations, focusing on the goals of self-efficacy, non-evaluative feedback, and collaboration.
5: Leave with actionable strategies to launch or refine peer observation programs in one’s own district.

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?

Speakers

Jennifer Arenson Yaeger

Associate Director, Partnerships, Teaching and Learning Alliance

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 3 & 4

10:45am MDT

Stirring the pot: A recipe for content-embedded, evidence-based secondary reading interventions

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

This 1-hour, interactive session aims to equip educators working with secondary striving readers with the knowledge and skills needed to design evidence-based, content-embedded reading intervention instruction. The National Reading Panel report (2000) highlighted five instructional priorities for early reading instruction. While this guidance has been invaluable in guiding the teaching of reading in the primary grades, it has been less applicable to reading instruction and intervention for secondary readers. Researchers studying effective reading intervention practices for older readers have adjusted the five instructional priorities for older readers to include word study, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and motivation and engagement (Roberts et al., 2008; Scammacca et al., 2007). Further, cross-cutting features such as multicomponent instruction and intervention embedded within content area instruction have been associated with improved outcomes for older readers (Biancarosa & Snow, 2007; Boardman et al., 2008).

Objectives:
• describe the most common reading profiles of nonproficient secondary readers,
• name and define the recommended instructional priorities for secondary readers with reading disabilities,
• embed evidence-based instructional practices related to each of the priority areas within content-area instruction,
• engage with an instructional planning protocol for designing secondary reading instruction that attends to rigor, relationships, and evidence-based practices.

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?

Speakers

Genevieve Thomas

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Salon 1

10:45am MDT

Strengthening the Strands

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:

What does it take to truly strengthen reading outcomes? It starts with coherence. Using the reading rope as a guiding framework, this session explores how educators can unify foundational skills and knowledge-building instruction to create a comprehensive and equitable literacy approach. Participants will examine how each strand contributes to skilled reading, and how to intentionally weave them together in planning, instruction, and intervention. Grounded in research and designed for immediate application, this session offers tools and strategies to support every learner and strengthen systemwide literacy outcomes.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

Explain the components of the reading rope and how each strand contributes to proficient reading development.
Analyze the importance of coherence between foundational skills and knowledge-building instruction for equity and impact.
Apply practical strategies and tools to integrate and strengthen instructional practices across the strands of reading development.

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?

Speakers

Kelly Stewart

Great Minds

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Birch

10:45am MDT

The Science of Writing: From Pedagogy to Practice

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT

Feedback Survey

Introduction:
We’ve all heard about the science of reading, but what about the Science of Writing? In this session, we’ll examine research and methodology from writing expert and Savvas author, Dr. Young-Suk Kim. Participants will gain insight into the foundational writing skills that reflect best practices in a "science of writing" classroom and engage in writing routines that foster meaningful writing experiences for students of all abilities.

Objectives:
Identify student writing gaps and strengths, better understand the needs of foundational writing, map student writing growth across age-appropriate levels, and connect the practices of the science of reading and the science of writing.

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?

Speakers

Beth Varosky

Curriculum Specialist, Savvas Learning Company

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Aspen

11:45am MDT

🍽️ Pick up your box lunch and join us in the ballroom for lunch! 🎉 Don’t be late—the vendor drawing kicks off soon!

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:45am - 12:15pm MDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:45am - 12:15pm MDT
Main Ballroom

12:15pm MDT

Closing Keynote: Still, I Rise: Leading the Charge of Literacy Transformation

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT

Feedback Survey

Speakers

Jeanne Schopf

Independent Consultant, Pathways Towards Literacy

For over 30 years, Jeanne Schopf, M.Ed., NBCT, C-SLDI, has been a passionate advocate for literacy and education. As a K-12 teacher, Literacy Coach, Reading Specialist, and Certified Dyslexia Interventionist, she has transformed learning experiences for students and educators. Jeanne... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm MDT
Main Ballroom

1:30pm MDT

🎉 That’s a wrap on an incredible conference, and the launch of new opportunities to impact Wyoming! 💙📖

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 1:45pm MDT

Thursday June 12, 2025 1:30pm - 1:45pm MDT