This course is designed for 3rd-12th grade educators and interventionists who want to understand how reading research applies to intermediate and secondary students. It is perfect for those who have students who are struggling with reading and spelling, but are unsure of how to help!

The term structured literacy was coined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) in 2014 to describe a method of instruction that focuses on both what to teach and how to teach it. It emphasizes the direct teaching of literacy skills such as phonology, sound-symbol correspondence, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Structured literacy involves using systematic, cumulative, explicit, and diagnostic instruction to ensure that all students can develop strong literacy skills.

Upon completion of this course, participants will:

• Understand current reading research as it applies to older students.

• Evaluate the Five Components of Reading and develop strategies for differentiated instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Implement structured literacy strategies tailored for 3rd-12th grade students, integrating explicit and systematic instruction to meet grade-level standards.

• Identify common reading deficits (e.g., dyslexia, hyperlexia, language impairments) and use diagnostic tools to inform instruction and remediation.

• Design individualized intervention plans based on student assessments to address diverse literacy needs and accelerate reading development.

• Intermediate+ Structured Literacy Instructor Manual

• 1 year membership to the Resource Vault

• Diagnostic Assessments

• Case Study Guide and Intervention Plan Guide

Recent NAEP findings highlight the need for knowledgeable literacy teachers:

• 4th Grade: Only 31% of students performed at or above proficient in 2024.

• 8th Grade: Just 67% of students met basic reading levels.

We know you care deeply about your students’ success. We also know many intermediate and secondary teachers are unsure what to do to effectively support struggling readers. This course bridges that gap by providing research-based, structured literacy strategies that meet grade-level standards while giving teachers a roadmap for intervention.

This course helps teachers support diverse literacy needs and empower all students to thrive.

This course was accredited through Adams State University after a rigous application process. Participants can earn 1.0 graduate credit hours upon completion.

Note: this course was previously accredited through Colorado School of Mines. They are no longer offering their teacher enhancement program.