Regional Workshops
Lunch & Learn
What Does the Science of Reading Really Look Like in Your Classroom?
You’ve heard the buzz about the Science of Reading—but what does it actually look like in day-to-day classroom instruction?
Join us for a FREE 40-minute Zoom professional development session designed to cut through the noise and offer practical, research-aligned strategies for real classrooms.
What You'll Learn:
✔️ The key pillars of the Science of Reading and how they connect to classroom practice
✔️ What to look for (and what might be missing) in your current program
✔️ How to adapt instruction for diverse learners—no matter your materials
✔️ Practical examples you can use tomorrow
Whether you're working with a scripted program or teaching from a home-grown curriculum, this session will help you teach reading in a way that is effective, equitable, and evidence-based.
Integrating Knowledge Building into ELA for Interdisciplinary Teaching
Knowledge building is essential for strong reading comprehension; it provides the foundation students need to understand, analyze, and engage with texts deeply. When readers bring background knowledge to texts, they can make connections, infer meaning, and grasp complex ideas more easily. In this workshop, teachers will learn how taking a knowledge-rich approach to reading helps students develop vocabulary, recognize themes, and think critically about what they read. Teachers will learn how to build rich and complex, multi-media text sets that support conceptual knowledge and transfer that they can integrate into existing curriculum and units as well as build bridges between content area instruction and literacy instruction.
Phonics Power and Orthographic Mapping: Teaching Principles of Phonics and Word Study in Ways that Stick
In this session, teachers will:
• Learn the importance of explicit and systematic phonics instruction that supports orthographic mapping
• Understand how letter-sound connections help commit spellings, pronunciations, and meanings of words to memory
• Discover the power of teaching the six syllable types
• Explore common syllable division patterns that promote automaticity for fluid and flexible word solving
Reimagining Small Group Instruction in Grades 3–8: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
Gone are the days of providing diverse readers with a one-size-fits-all approach to small group reading. If we look at Scarborough’s Rope, the Simple View of Reading, and Active View of Reading, we recognize the complexity of reading acquisition. The range of skills, knowledge, and factors required for proficient reading vary, as does the ease with which readers develop in each of these areas. This reveals a diversity of needs requiring teachers to pull from a variety of content, methods, and lesson structures.
Embedding High-Impact Literacy Practices Into Existing Curriculum
Incorporating science of reading-based practices does not require purchasing a new program; it requires educators to make revisions through the lens of science. In this workshop, we will dive into the NYS recommended “High-Impact Literacy Practices” and suggest ways to incorporate these shifts into your existing curriculum.
Using a Science of Reading Lens for Data Analysis: Administering and Analyzing Reading Assessments to Inform Targeted Instruction
In this session, teachers will learn the importance of assessing phonemic awareness, phonics knowledge, automaticity and fluency and to sample students' oral reading using reading records to help inform instruction. Through close analysis of behaviors, errors, self-corrections, and responses, teachers will use data analyses to make instructional plans that help move readers forward. Teachers will walk away with the tools they need to assess beyond the basics of Meaning Structure and Visual Information as well as practical strategies that will help develop the Big 6 competencies in reading.
Integrating Knowledge Building into ELA for Interdisciplinary Teaching
Knowledge building is essential for strong reading comprehension; it provides the foundation students need to understand, analyze, and engage with texts deeply. When readers bring background knowledge to texts, they can make connections, infer meaning, and grasp complex ideas more easily. In this workshop, teachers will learn how taking a knowledge-rich approach to reading helps students develop vocabulary, recognize themes, and think critically about what they read. Teachers will learn how to build rich and complex, multi-media text sets that support conceptual knowledge and transfer that they can integrate into existing curriculum and units as well as build bridges between content area instruction and literacy instruction.
Essay Writing
In this session, teachers will learn ways to teach the skill of essay writing-from basic structures to literary and comparative essays. Teachers will walk away with practical strategies for how to teach this important writing structure, including:
• Crafting clear claims and thesis statements
• Developing strong reasons and supporting them with evidence
• Unpacking evidence to clarify and strengthen key ideas for readers
Supporting Content-Specific Literacy Across Disciplines in Grades 6–12
For students to fully grasp the concepts and information invarious content areas, they need to develop the skills to read and write proficiently within those subjects, making reading and writing instruction essential. Educators will gain practical tools and planning frameworks to strengthen literacy instruction in their disciplines and deepen students’ understanding of the content.
Bridging Science & Research through Comprehensive Literacy Instruction
In this session, teachers and administrators will learn how to build bridges between balanced literacy and structured literacy to include research-supported practices and science of reading research to enhance all areas of their literacy instruction. Teachers and administrators will understand the contributions and value of both frameworks in order to make instructional decisions to help meet the needs of all students. As teachers deepen their understanding of research and science-based practices, they will equip themselves with the knowledge and know-how to revise their teaching and curriculum in ways that honors the craft that they've honed and incorporate the latest considerations for best practices in building reading competencies.
Content Area Literacy: Strategic Reading and Writing in Science and Social Studies
The Content Literacy Workshop is designed to help educators integrate literacy strategies into all subject areas. This workshop focuses on equipping teachers with effective techniques to promote reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills while deepening students' understanding of content. Participants will explore how literacy skills can be woven into content instruction, ensuring that students not only master subject-specific concepts but also develop the literacy skills they need for academic success. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to implement research-based literacy practices in their classrooms to enhance student learning across disciplines.
Revitalizing Writing Instruction Aligned to SoR and Knowledge-Building
We will explore approaches that honor choice and process in writing instruction, and also provide students with ways to cement their learning from reading via research projects and culminating writing tasks that connect to reading and knowledge building.
Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies and Methods that Work
In this workshop, teachers will explore the latest research on how to effectively support students with dyslexia. We'll examine the most widely used screeners and what insights they provide, along with key indicators at each grade level that may signal a need for targeted intervention.
Facilitating Text-Based Discussions: Strategies for Engaging and Deepening Student Dialogue
Text-based discussions provide students with the opportunity to develop critical thinking, improve comprehension, and refine their communication skills. Aligned with the New York State Literacy Briefs, this session emphasizes the importance of explicit instruction in academic discourse. This workshop will focus on best practices for creating an environment where students actively engage with the text, each other, and the ideas being explored. Participants will explore various discussion strategies, including structured protocols, open-ended questioning techniques, and methods to support all students in contributing to discussions.
Small Group Instruction that Move Readers Forward
In this session, teachers will study a variety of ways to guide readers towards independence and proficiency. Teachers will learn about small group structures such as: foundational skill lessons, phonics, phonemic awareness, and word study, as well as strategy lessons and guided reading. Teachers will walk away with ideas for utilizing a variety of methods and resources including leveled and decodable texts to support all students with a variety of needs based on the Simple View of Reading Model as well as The Active View of Reading Model.
Writing for High-Stakes Tests
No one wants to “teach the test” -- we have more writing types to cover, and if we just did test prep, our students would be bored to tears! But, we still have to make sure our students are prepared and confident as they approach high-stakes tests. This session teaches how we might harness the skills students already know, while considering new strategies for test-taking that will support their focus, stamina, and performance.
Practical Strategies for Incorporating the Science of Reading and NYS Literacy Briefs into Your Existing Curriculum
Incorporating science of reading-based practices does not require purchasing a new program or a complete
curriculum overhaul, as much as it requires educators to make revisions through the lens of science.
In this workshop, participants will discuss recommitting to foundational skills (phonological awareness and
systematic phonics), incorporating generative vocabulary instruction with meaningful word selection for explicit
instruction, creating the space for fluency instruction, and importantly, supporting comprehension with
knowledge building.
Educators will walk away with ideas for curriculum revisions that support:
✓ conceptual knowledge building and enduring understandings with opportunities for transfer
✓ creating multi-media text sets
✓ ideas for reimagining independent practice
✓ fostering pathways for diverse learners
✓ creating opportunities for writing across tasks and text types
✓ developing culminating experiences that foster collaboration and academic discourse
Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit. Can use 1-1/2 Consortium seats.
If district pays, district approval must be confirmed prior to start of session.
Unpacking the Big 6 and Best Practices Aligned with NYS Literacy Briefs
Literacy is the foundation for academic success and is essential for full participation in 21st Century life. The New York State Education Department expects that all P-12 students receive high-quality instruction through a curriculum designed to teach them to read and write on grade level, as determined by the NYS P-12 Next Generation English Language Arts (ELA) Learning Standards. A solid foundation in literacy by grade three is essential, not only for more complex academic study, but also for the development of the essential skills of communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Foundational literacy proficiency is linked to greater success and fulfillment in education, careers, and life. It is therefore especially imperative that students in grades K-3 receive high-quality, explicit instruction in literacy, and that both instruction and curricula are grounded in evidence drawn from educational and scientific research and study. In this workshop, participants will look closely at the best practices and classroom strategies for fostering the Big 6: Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension that is applicable to any curriculum or resource. Educators will walk away: -a clear understanding of the Big 6 -strategies and best practices that help develop each of the Big 6 -High-Impact literacy practices that foster development of the Big 6 simultaneously -New York State recommendations for practices that districts will be required to implement by September 2025 Eligible for 6 hours CTLE credit.
Developing Academic Discourse
The New York State Literacy Briefs are clear: we need to engage students in high impact literacy practices. In particular, we need to engage them in text-based discussions and writing opportunities. Learners need to discuss and debate what they read. They need protocols and routines to promote discussion and debate skills. Academic discourse lives in our literacy blocks and across our day. This workshop will provide strategies that can be used across content areas, creating the opportunity for practice throughout the school day.
Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies, and Methods that Work
In this workshop, educators will learn the most current research on how to best support students with dyslexia. Educators will look at the most commonly used screeners and what they offer, as well as signs at each grade level that students may need specific support. Educators will walk away with research-based strategies they can use to identify and effectively teach studenst with dyslexia.
Educators will learn:
What dyslexia is (and is not)
Signs of dyslexia at different age/grade levels from preschool to 4th grade and beyond
What to look for in screeners
How to give and interpret data from screeners to drive interventions
Critical elements of teaching students with dyslexia
Orthographic mapping routines that work for students with dyslexia
How explicit instruction supports all-and specifically students with dyslexia
Strategies and instructional methods that work for the dyslexic brain
Practical Strategies for Incorporating the Science of Reading and NYS Literacy Briefs into Your Existing Curriculum
Incorporating science of reading-based practices does not require purchasing a new program or a complete curriculum overhaul, as much as it requires educators to make revisions through the lens of science.
Exploring the Qualities of Writing Across Text Types: Strategies that Push Writers to Excellence
In this session, teachers will take a deep-dive into the qualities of good writing across information, narrative, and opinion/argument writing. Understanding the specific attributes that make for quality writing allow teachers to assess writing well, select meaningful goals for student writers, construct clear teaching points, and demonstrate skills and strategies in ways that support transfer. There is no better way to feel more confident as a writing teacher than to understand what makes writing powerful! Teachers will walk away with:
• An understanding of qualities of writing that cut across text types
• Strategies for making those qualities of writing clear to students
• Methods for teaching that allow for the transfer of skills
Wizards, Wands, and Whatsits: Portals to Fantasy Reading and Writing in Middle School
In this session, teachers will learn how to teach fantasy reading and writing-a genre that includes both science fiction and dystopian fiction (for older readers). In one-half of the session, teachers will learn the explicit teaching points that can clear-up common confusions and unlock deeper meaning for readers. In the second half of the session, they will learn strategies that support writers as they create fantasy stories that revisit narrative standards in ways that are fresh, engaging, and fun. Teachers will learn:
• Reading comprehension strategies that unlock fantasy and dystopian genres
• Common tropes of fantasy writing
• Methods of craft analysis that make specific narrative qualities clear to students
• To look at narrative standards with a fantasy/dystopian lens
Demystifying the Science of Reading: Practical Knowledge and Strategies for Educators
This three day workshop series is designed for K-8 educators interested in the latest research on how we learn to read will leave participants feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to support all students on their reading journey. Over the course of the three days we will study the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics (including alphabetic principle and orthography), fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Within each "pillar” we will give recommendations and practical models for assessments, small group instruction, and progress monitoring.
Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies, and Methods that Work
In this workshop, educators will learn the most current research on how to best support students with dyslexia. Educators will look at the most commonly used screeners and what they offer, as well as signs at each grade level that students may need specific support. Educators will walk away with research-based strategies they can use to identify and effectively teach studenst with dyslexia.
Educators will learn:
What dyslexia is (and is not)
Signs of dyslexia at different age/grade levels from preschool to 4th grade and beyond
What to look for in screeners
How to give and interpret data from screeners to drive interventions
Critical elements of teaching students with dyslexia
Orthographic mapping routines that work for students with dyslexia
How explicit instruction supports all-and specifically students with dyslexia
Strategies and instructional methods that work for the dyslexic brain
Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies, and Methods that Work
In this workshop, educators will learn the most current research on how to best support students with dyslexia. Educators will look at the most commonly used screeners and what they offer, as well as signs at each grade level that students may need specific support. Educators will walk away with research-based strategies they can use to identify and effectively teach studenst with dyslexia.
Educators will learn:
What dyslexia is (and is not)
Signs of dyslexia at different age/grade levels from preschool to 4th grade and beyond
What to look for in screeners
How to give and interpret data from screeners to drive interventions
Critical elements of teaching students with dyslexia
Orthographic mapping routines that work for students with dyslexia
How explicit instruction supports all-and specifically students with dyslexia
Strategies and instructional methods that work for the dyslexic brain
Understanding Dyslexia: Research Supported Screeners, Strategies, and Methods that Work
In this workshop, educators will learn the most current research on how to best support students with dyslexia. Educators will look at the most commonly used screeners and what they offer, as well as signs at each grade level that students may need specific support. Educators will walk away with research-based strategies they can use to identify and effectively teach studenst with dyslexia.
Educators will learn:
What dyslexia is (and is not)
Signs of dyslexia at different age/grade levels from preschool to 4th grade and beyond
What to look for in screeners
How to give and interpret data from screeners to drive interventions
Critical elements of teaching students with dyslexia
Orthographic mapping routines that work for students with dyslexia
How explicit instruction supports all-and specifically students with dyslexia
Strategies and instructional methods that work for the dyslexic brain
Bridging Science & Research: Integrating the Science of Reading with Balanced Literacy for High Quality Literacy Instruction for All - Western Suffolk BOCES
In this one-day workshop, we aim to clarify some of the misconceptions around Balanced Literacy practices and Structured Literacy in order to create a safe space where both philosophies can live in harmony and support educators with the best tools possible to meet the needs of all students. Finding a middle ground and opening our minds and hearts to allow for inquiry, investigation, and conversation will enrich and evolve our practice aligned with a common goal — helping children become proficient and successful life long readers.
Orthographic Mapping: Teaching Principles of Phonics and Word Study in Ways that Stick
In this session, educators will explore orthographic mapping - the process of forming letter-sound connections in order to commit spellings, pronunciations, and meanings of words to memory. Through morpheme and sound spelling analysis, educators will learn strategies that help students map words for automaticity.
Content Area Literacy: Strategic Reading and Writing in Science and Social Studies
Research shows that writing about what we are learning is a way to solidify that learning in our minds. In this session, teachers will learn ways to use writing not only as a way to make content learning stick, but also as a way to teach crucial writing skills. We will explore ways to support nonfiction comprehension, allowing students to make more of their reading. Teachers will learn:
• Key, research-backed, comprehension strategies for reading nonfiction texts
• Methods to increase students' background information and vocabulary that allows learning to stick
• Low-stakes ways to use writing as a tool to learn content
• Ideas for bringing content into writing that increase students' understanding of structures, elaboration, grammar and vocabulary
Turbo-Charged Writing Conferences: Using Formative Assessments to Drive Student Writing K-2 & 3-6
Love it or hate it, writing is among the most important skills that you will teach your students. Join Erik Lepis, well-known literacy expert and author, who will guide you as to how to assess student writing and use conferring to develop their writing across genres.
Erik understands that assessing a writer involves much more than just reading a student's piece of writing. In order to truly uncover what a writer needs, we must get a complete picture of the writer -- their habits, identity, process, and the qualities of good writing that their writing exhibits. To do this, educators must look through multiple lenses and use a variety of assessment methods.
During these courses, you will be provided the "look fors" when observing a writer, auditing their materials, interviewing them, and reading the writing. But most importantly, you will be instructed as to how to effectively conduct writing conferences to use the data you’ve gathered to help propel writers forward. In a special bonus chapter, you will also learn about the stages of the writing process, appropriate for K-2 or for grade 3-6 students, and how to assess and work with your students during these various stages.
You will be invited to participate in various “pit stops”, throughout, which contain guided self-reflection points, enabling you to reflect on your own teaching practice. You will also be equipped with course collateral that you can use to enhance your teaching practice and optimize your students’ writing. Join Erik in this practical and engaging course.
Rev Up Your Reading Conferences: Using Formative Assessments to Drive Students Forward and Cultivate Agency (K-2) (3-6)
Are you ready to rev your engines and get on the fast track to becoming an expert in conferring with readers? Look no further!
In these courses, geared specifically with the grade K-2 or 3-6 student in mind, you will learn a variety of methods for gathering data on readers and providing effective, in-the-moment feedback that capitalizes on each teachable moment. You'll be able to pinpoint students' needs and keep pace with their progress by uncovering the next steps and possibilities for follow-up teaching.
Erik's techniques are designed to help students develop into independent readers, and he'll teach you how to use a variety of lenses to get a comprehensive view of each reader's unique strengths and challenges. You'll be able to stay ahead of the pack by targeting what readers need today and providing the support they require to keep growing.
This course comes equipped with valuable downloadable resources that includes various checklists to assist you in engaging in an effective reading conference.
If you're ready to take your conferring skills to the next level and become a true expert in helping students develop their reading skills, sign up for Erik's course today!
Demystifying the Science of Reading: Practical Knowledge and Strategies for Educators - Eastern Suffolk BOCES
This three-day summer institute designed for K-8 educators interested in the latest research on how we learn to read will leave participants feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to support all students on their reading journey.
Demystifying the Science of Reading: Practical Knowledge and Strategies for Educators - Nassau BOCES
This three-day summer institute designed for K-8 educators interested in the latest research on how we learn to read will leave participants feeling empowered with the knowledge and tools to support all students on their reading journey.
Bridging Science with Practice: Strategies for Developing Language Comprehension & Word Recognition to Bring Science of Reading into the Classroom - Nassau BOCES
As state and federal mandates shift towards more Science of Reading aligned practices in the literacy classroom, this workshop offers practical strategies to fold in more science with current reading practices.