Blending Research with Literacy Confidence

Jake Daggett
K-2

About the Session —

Are we still doing spelling tests? How does dictation work, and how often should I be doing it? What is the research behind it? Join Jake as he answers all these questions and more about the shift from memory-based spelling tests to daily dictation practice. Explore the importance of a speech to print approach, and get hands-on practice with key sound to spelling strategies for K-5 students.

Sarah Paul and Michelle Sullivan
K-2

About the session —

Morphology doesn’t have to be one more thing to teach. It can be the thread that connects what you’re already doing.

In this session, we focus on the base as the foundation of K–2 morphology and show how it fits seamlessly alongside phonics instruction teachers already know. You’ll see what morphology actually looks like with young learners through concrete kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade examples using our B.A.S.E. approach.

We’ll explore how working with base words supports vocabulary and grammar development while also strengthening word reading and spelling. The goal of this session is to clarify how early morphology integrates into existing literacy instruction, not to complicate it.

Amie Burkholder
K-2

About the Session —

Decodable texts play a critical role in helping students move from phonics instruction to accurate, automatic word reading—but only when they’re used intentionally.

In this hands-on session, participants will learn how decodable texts support word recognition by strengthening phoneme–grapheme connections, reducing cognitive load, and providing meaningful practice immediately after instruction. Teachers will explore what effective decodables look like, when to use them, and how to build simple routines that support transfer from sounds to reading. Participants will leave with practical strategies they can use right away in K–2 classroom

Savannah Campbell
3-5

About the Session —

Vocabulary instruction doesn’t have to mean adopting a new program or abandoning the materials you’re required to use. In this session, we’ll take a clear, research-aligned look at what effective vocabulary instruction actually looks like in real classrooms, and how to make it work with any text.

Participants will explore both explicit and implicit approaches to vocabulary instruction, including practical routines for teaching word meanings, supporting word learning through context clues and morphology, and fostering word consciousness across the day. We’ll discuss how vocabulary develops over time, why small instructional moves matter, and how to intentionally embed vocabulary work into read-alouds, core texts, content areas, and existing curricula.

Whether you’re working within a scripted program or designing your own lessons, this session will provide concrete, manageable ways to strengthen vocabulary instruction without adding more to your plate. The goal is simple: help teachers make vocabulary instruction more powerful, more meaningful, and more sustainable—no new program required.

Rachel Beiswanger
3-5

About the Session —

Struggling readers often encounter decoding barriers in upper elementary when text shifts from single-syllable words to longer, more complex vocabulary. During this session, educators will learn evidence-based instructional routines for teaching multisyllabic word reading.  Syllable and morphological-based strategies will provide educators with clear guidance in helping students improve reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Educators will leave with classroom-ready routines that can be implemented without a boxed program during core instruction or reading intervention. 

Katie Walker
3-5

About the Session —

Developing research skills in upper elementary students requires intentional guidance and support. In this session, Katie Walker will share scaffolded, practical strategies for guiding students through the research process, from generating questions to synthesizing evidence, while fostering independence, confidence, and agency. Participants will explore tools and approaches that make research engaging, manageable, and accessible for all learners, and will leave with ready-to-use resources to support strong, lasting research habits.

Lisa Russo
Pre-Recorded VIP Literacy Vault

About the Session —

Sustainable change doesn’t start with mandates, it starts with joy. 💛

This session highlights how joyful, purpose-driven leadership can fuel instructional growth and drive strong literacy outcomes for every child. Grounded in the Science of Reading, I will share how centering teacher knowledge, protecting high-impact instructional practices, and leading with optimism creates schools where both adults and students flourish. Participants will leave with practical leadership moves, real-world examples, and renewed belief that joy and rigor are not opposites. They are partners in building confident readers and thriving learning communities. 📖✨

Jessica Farmer
Pre-Recorded VIP Literacy Vault

About the Session —

Alphabet knowledge is way more than just knowing the letter sounds. In this session, we’ll break down what alphabet knowledge really includes, like letter names, letter sounds, letter formation, phonemic awareness, and the alphabetic principle, and why it plays such a huge role in future reading success. You’ll learn why some letters stick faster than others, what research says about effective alphabet instruction, and why explicit, teacher-led routines matter. I’ll also share a simple, practical alphabet routine you can use right away to build strong foundations and set students up for long-term reading success. And yes, we will be singing the New Alphabet Song!

Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP
Pre-Recorded VIP Literacy Vault

About the Session —

In grades 3–5, students are expected to learn increasingly complex academic concepts while using more advanced language and literacy skills. Many students struggle not because of the content itself, but because the language demands of the classroom outpace their language development.

In this session, we will share practical, classroom-ready strategies that support language, comprehension, and literacy development across the general education curriculum. Teachers will learn how to intentionally use everyday lessons, read-alouds, discussions, and classroom routines to strengthen vocabulary, sentence-level language, and understanding for all students.

This interactive presentation includes practice and concrete examples so participants leave with tools they can implement in their classrooms the very next day.