Accelerating Foundational Skills for Older Readers

Educators, school leaders, and parents recognize the urgent need to identify and support students in upper elementary, middle, and high school who struggle to read. Foundational reading skills are often at the heart of reading difficulties and it is crucial to provide instruction that is research-based, respectful, dignified, and age-appropriate to this vulnerable group of students. 

In this interactive institute, we will unpack the research within the IES Practice Guide, Providing Reading Interventions for Students in Grades 4-9, and bridge the research to practice by experiencing effective instructional routines within structured literacy lessons. We will also review the essential characteristics of connected texts that engage older readers while also ensuring appropriate practice leading to mastery of critical skills.

Intended Audience: Teachers, interventionists, literacy coaches, curriculum directors, special education directors, and administrators serving older readers in grades 4-12.