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

The Pathways to Literacy Leadership course equips educational leaders with the essential tools and strategies to develop, refine, and implement a comprehensive literacy plan tailored to their schools' needs. This course prepares participants aiming to establish a clear organizational vision for effective literacy instruction 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.

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

Commitment Includes:

• Completion of asynchronous pre-knowledge inventory.

• Completion of 10 asynchronous learning sections.

• Attendance and Participation at two, daylong in-person training sessions where you will work on a Literacy Plan for your organization.

• Completion of pre- and post-knowledge inventories.

• 12-month access to the AIM Pathways Platform so materials can be reviewed, applied, and accessed in the classroom when needed.

Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary

AIM's Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary (PPR-S) course provides educators with comprehensive, IDA-accredited literacy training including articles, classroom resources, adolescent student profiles, and secondary classroom videos, to address the unique literacy needs of adolescent learners. Virtual Community of Practice sessions with expert AIM facilitators focus on hands-on practice to support classroom implementation. All middle and high school educators, English Language Arts and content areas alike, should register for this learning opportunity that develops depth of knowledge around literacy development and proficiency across content areas.

Intended Audience:

• Upper Elementary (Grades 3-5) Educators,

• Middle School Educators, including English Language Arts and Content Area Teachers,

• High School Educators, including English Language Arts and Content Area Teachers.
  

Benefits of the course:

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

• 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.

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

AIM Demystifying Dyslexia Module

Demystifying Dyslexia is an in-depth learning module about dyslexia, a common learning disability that affects 5-20% of the population. The curated content, includes a simulated dyslexia experience and printable classroom tools, explains the origin of dyslexia, the key characteristics of the disability, and the necessary elements to support these individuals through interactive and multi-media learning experiences. This course is available for a limited time and only 1,000 participants will have access to the course.

Benefits of the 3-hour Module:

• Self-Paced: This program is fully online and asynchronous, meaning the modules can be completed at any time – there are no synchronous, real-time meetings or assignments required.

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

• Continuing Professional Development Credits: Participants who complete BOTH Demystifying Dyslexia and Specialized Reading Knowledge Bundle: English Learners courses will receive 1 CPD or 15 PDPs upon completion.

• Format of the course: Asynchronous, self-paced online modules.

AIM Specialized Reading Knowledge: English Learners

The AIM Institute’s Specialized Reading Knowledge: English Learners modules will guide educators in developing the specialized knowledge required to accelerate language and literacy proficiency for English Learners in any program model with immediate instructional applications. Each module in the Specialized Reading Knowledge Bundle: English Learners includes asynchronous online course instruction with exclusive content recorded by Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan, and a wealth of assessment resources, implementation tools, and printables to support immediate use in the classroom.

Intended Audience:

• Classroom teachers teaching all subjects and all learners. It is appropriate for all grade levels.

• A strong foundational knowledge in the science of reading and structured literacy is a requirement for this course. Previous completion of comprehensive structured literacy training (such as LETRS or Pathways to Proficient Reading) is a prerequisite to this course.

Commitment Includes:

• Completion of 3 asynchronous learning modules.

• +3 one-hour, synchronous Virtual Community of Practice Sessions (VCoPs).

• 12-month access to the AIM Pathways Platform so materials can be reviewed, applied, and accessed in the classroom when needed.