Webinar Notes: Enhancing Reading with Structured Literacy

Introduction

• Welcome and introduction of attendees from various locations
• Quick engagement poll for audience demographics
• Confirmation of participants' roles (parents, educators, specialists)
• Assessment of grades participants are interested in (focus on younger children, but diversity in attendees' focus areas)

Speaker Introduction

• Presented by an expert in literacy education
• Focus on knowledge and practice standards for teaching reading developed by IDA (International Dyslexia Association)
• Explanation of structured literacy which is the most research-supported method for teaching reading

Key Topics Covered

Understanding the Development of Reading Standards

• Initial standards developed in 2010; updated in 2018
• Collaboration among renowned experts
• Addressing questions on the necessity of new standards

Importance of Rigorous Teacher Preparation

• Teaching reading is complex and requires thorough preparation
• Aim to diminish reading failure through well-prepared teachers

Structured Literacy: Core Components

• Explicit, systematic, cumulative, multi-sensory, multi-linguistic approach
• Based on extensive research on effective reading instruction

Research and Evidence

• Detailed research studies and NIH-funded projects validating the effectiveness of structured literacy
• Importance of ongoing research and collaboration across institutions

Importance of Phonological Awareness

• Word reading depends heavily on phonological skills, not visual memorization
• Kilpatrick’s 2015 book elaborating on word recognition and phonological skills
• The need to teach the mapping of sounds to letters systematically

Orthographic Memory and Word Recognition

• Orthographic memory is essential for spelling, involving abstract understanding of letters
• Common classroom practices (e.g., word walls) might be misleading in teaching reading effectively

Assessments and Screening for Reading Issues

• Emphasis on early screening starting in kindergarten
• Teachers should use robust assessments to identify and address reading difficulties

Teacher Training and Development

• Teacher knowledge and skills are critical before program implementation
• Teacher prep needs to include principles of structured literacy
• In-depth understanding of language systems (phonology, morphology, syntax, etc.)

Addressing Diverse Reading Profiles

• Identification and differentiation for students with diverse reading challenges, including dyslexia
• Standards offer a comprehensive understanding of assessing and aiding various reading difficulties

Implementation Strategies for Structured Literacy

• Administrative and leadership commitment is vital
• Professional development focusing on educators' understanding of literacy structure and teaching techniques
• Adoption of valid, research-based assessment tools to monitor progress

Classroom Application

• Importance of explicit, direct instruction of language structure
• Highlighted ineffective methods (e.g., balanced literacy without skill development)

Vocabulary, Syntax, and Comprehensive Language Instruction

• Teaching vocabulary through word relationships, contexts, and structure
• Importance of complex sentence structures for academic success
• Guided practice in comprehension for reading complex texts

Conclusion

• Structured literacy can significantly reduce reading failures and improve literacy outcomes
• Encouragement to utilize resources such as IDA Ontario website and professional development opportunities

Q&A Session

• Strategies for successful implementation of structured literacy in districts
• Resources for professional development (letters, MindPlay, Stern Center, etc.)
• Addressing concerns with current prevalent methods like balanced literacy

Final Thoughts

• Reinforcement of the importance of structured literacy
• Appreciation for participation and encouragement to continue improving literacy education