Apply now through April 21, 2023

NeMTSS is excited to offer Lexia LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), a professional learning opportunity for educators to gain knowledge and develop instructional methods in the science of reading.

Two cohorts will begin this fall:

• Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS)
• Early Childhood Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (EC LETRS)

Both will feature all-virtual training sessions to reduce travel time and ensure they are accessible to educators throughout the state.

This may be the last offering of LETRS supported through NeMTSS. Please consider this opportunity that we hope leads to deeper implementation of the science of reading and best practices in language and literacy throughout Nebraska.

Applications are due April 21, 2023. More details on how to apply can be found below.

 

LETRS®

This commitment includes two years of intense training through self-guided digital modules, as well as eight facilitated virtual sessions provided by Lexia Learning. District and ESU staff members who are selected must have the capacity to support future district or regional trainings in the science of reading. Participants will complete work independently through self-guided digital modules, journal reflection and bridge-to-practice activities. Graduate level course credit may be obtained through Wayne State College at an affordable rate for participants in NeMTSS-supported LETRS.

Participant commitment:

• Two years of training with work to be done September-May.
  • 2023-24: Volume 1, Units 1-4.
  • 2024-25: Volume 2, Units 5-8.
• 1-2 hours per week for self-guided digital modules, blog results/anecdotal notes on application of unit skills.
• Follow the pacing guide for completing webinars on schedule.
• Attend the four virtual training sessions per volume (dates tentative, pending trainer scheduling):
  • Nov. 13, 2023
  • Jan. 9, 2024
  • March 20, 2024
  • May 2, 2024
• Watch a pre-recorded LETRS launch session for your volume of learning.
• Share learning with district and ESU colleagues.

LETRS participants will:
Year 1:

• Focus on word recognition.
• Understand the challenge of learning to read.
• Recognize the speech sounds of English.
• Learn and apply effective instructional strategies for beginning phonics, word recognition and spelling.
• Learn and apply effective instructional strategies for advanced decoding, spelling and word recognition.

Year 2:

• Understand why vocabulary is so important.
• Learn an effective routine for introducing new vocabulary words.
• Understand the goal of reading comprehension instruction.
• Learn effective text-driven comprehension strategies.
• Determine how to prepare students for writing.

 

LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators (EC LETRS)

This commitment involves one year of intense training through self-guided digital modules, as well as two facilitated virtual sessions provided by Lexia Learning. District and ESU staff members who are selected must have the capacity to support future district or regional training in the science of reading. Participants will complete work independently through self-guided digital modules, journal reflection and bridge-to-practice activities. Graduate level course credit may be obtained through Wayne State College at an affordable rate to participants in NeMTSS-supported LETRS.

Participant commitment:

• One year of training with work to be done September-May.
• 1-2 hours per week for self-guided digital modules, blog results/anecdotal notes on application of unit skills.
• Follow the pacing guide for completing webinars on schedule.
• Attend the two virtual training sessions:
  • Dec. 7, 2023
  • April 11, 2024
• Watch a pre-recorded EC LETRS launch session for your volume of learning.
• Share learning with district and ESU colleagues.

EC LETRS participants will:

• Learn about early literacy foundations.
• Use assessment considerations to improve instruction.
• Gain an understanding of the value and impact of oral language.
• Learn how phonological development and interactive language strategies support early literacy skills.
• Learn the essential components of print knowledge and the progression of concepts.

 

Why should you apply?

Teaching children to read opens up a world of possibilities for them. It builds their capacity for creative and critical thinking, builds and expands their knowledge base, and develops their ability to respond with empathy and compassion to others. It is the foundation for all other learning, and teaching ALL children to read proficiently by third grade should be the number one priority for schools.

In addition, according to a culmination of foundational reading research (Narrowing the Third Grade Reading Gap, District Leadership Forum, 2019), 95% of elementary students, regardless of background, are cognitively capable of learning to read when they receive sufficient direct instruction on foundational reading skills.
 

What is LETRS?

LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), authored by Louisa C. Moats and Carol A. Tolman, is the professional development course that empowers teachers to become confident in delivering that “sufficient, direct instruction” mentioned above. Within this course, teachers understand the what, why and how of literacy instruction, based on the most current scientific research. LETRS provides deeper knowledge of reading instruction, as well as how to assess and address student needs based on age, grade and ability level. Bridging reading research to practical classroom guidance allows teachers to become confident in their ability to help students reach their highest potential in the areas of language and literacy.

Implementing effective classroom practices as part of our Tier 1 Core supports impacts academic learning time and student achievement while ensuring a positive learning environment. Implementing these evidence-based practices has been shown to maximize learning for all students while decreasing the likelihood of unwanted behavior.
 

How to apply

Interested in applying? Nebraska educators are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we are limited to 40 participants in Early Childhood and 40 participants in Volumes 1-4. We will begin reviewing applications on April 21, 2023. NeMTSS will accept applications based on when applications are received and geographic equity has been achieved. We encourage ESU staff interested in this opportunity to apply as well.

• Apply for LETRS® for Early Childhood Educators
• Apply for LETRS® Volumes 1-4

 

Questions?

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Jo McElhose at mjmcelhose@gmail.com or Maureen Halpenny at maureen.halpenny@unl.edu. For more information about the curriculum, please see Lexia’s LETRS brochure.