MSDE Offered Science of Reading Micro-Credential Courses

State University of New York (SUNY) Science of Reading Fundamentals Microcredential Program

The SUNY Science of Reading Fundamentals course is a curriculum-agnostic look at the building blocks of literacy education and is designed to be a valuable complement to any P-12 literacy program. This course introduces participants to innovative, evidence-based tools and concepts, and provides a useful starting point for anyone interested in the latest research about how children learn to read. At the core of this course is a foundational survey of the five pillars of effective reading instruction on which the Science of Reading is based. This course is being offered to all Maryland educators and is self-paced and can be entirely completed online.

Benefits:

• Science of Reading Micro-Credential: 3 CPD credits upon completion of the course (necessary for re-certification for many teachers)

• Teaching Strategies: Gain familiarity with tools, concepts, and practices, grounded in the latest research around the science of reading

• Curriculum Agnostic: The tools and strategies learned can be applied to any tier 1 curriculum.

The AIM Institute for Learning and Research

AIM Pathways is an interactive digital teacher training platform designed to deliver research and evidence-based content in the Science of Reading. MSDE will be offering two specific courses within the AIM platform: Pathways to Literacy Leadership and the Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary (the “Pathways Programs”).

Pathways to Literacy Leadership

Pathways to Literacy Leadership is an online professional development program designed for district leaders and administrators aiming to establish a clear organizational vision for effective literacy instruction. This course prepares participants to drive change by implementing systems-based approaches that empower teachers to apply evidence-based practices in their classrooms.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Leadership Skills: Gain the ability to effectively lead literacy initiatives and drive positive change within your district.

• Evidence-Based Practices: Understand and apply evidence-based literacy practices to improve instructional quality and student outcomes.

• Support for Teachers: Equip teachers with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively integrate evidence-based literacy practices in their classrooms.

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary is an online professional development program designed for teachers who teach in grade four and above, who are committed to learning about the connection between reading research, theoretical models such as the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and best practices for language and literacy instruction in the classroom. Participants will learn effective instructional practices that will benefit all students, including linguistically diverse populations and those with language-based learning disabilities.

Benefits:

• Evidence-Based Practices: Draw from their specialized knowledge in the science of reading to improve lesson planning and provide evidence-based diagnostic, prescriptive literacy instruction across content areas.

• Theory to Practice: Translate theoretical models into classroom practice which is why this course is designed to follow a Learn, Practice, and Apply cycle.

• Virtual Communities of Practice: Participate in synchronous, virtual community-of-practice meetings focused on implementation. An AIM Pathways Facilitator supports the community with translating the course content knowledge into evidence-based instructional practices.