Aligning Systems and Practice:
What Leaders Need to Know About Adolescent Literacy
School and district leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring that evidence-based literacy practices extend beyond the early grades. This half-day professional learning institute unpacks what leaders need to know about the science of reading for older students, including those who are multilingual learners and those with persistent foundational gaps.
Alongside core content, participants will engage in interactive activities—such as a pre-mortem exercise to anticipate barriers before they occur and structured discussions to apply research to real leadership challenges.
Leaders will leave with practical strategies to align materials, strengthen teacher professional learning, and monitor data systems. Grounded in the IES Practice Guide and adolescent literacy research, this session equips leaders to ensure effective literacy instruction across schools and districts.
Participants will leave the institute equipped with practical, research-based strategies to enhance their interactions and improve daily practice.
Details
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 8 AM–12 PM
Registration & Breakfast (provided) from 8–8:30 AM
Location: Conference Center at Waltham Woods, 860 Winter St., Waltham, MA 02451
Cost: Complimentary, but you must register in advance.
Certificates: Attendees receive a certification of attendance for professional learning.
Intended Audience: K–12 district and school leaders, administrators, interventionists, and literacy coaches.
Questions? Please contact events@collaborativeclassroom.org.
Facilitators & Hosts
Dr. Jennifer McMahon, Professional Learning Lead
Dr. Katy Cortelyou, Senior Regional Director
Anne Bartoszuk, Educational Consultant
