Literacy, Reading & Language Arts (PD)
Strengthen literacy instruction across grade levels through evidence-based approaches to reading, writing, language development, intervention, and communication.
Course Catalog
Addressing Literacy Gaps in Adolescent Literacy (PD)
As reading and writing demands become more complex, gaps in adolescents’ foundational literacy skills can limit their ability to engage successfully with grade-level learning. This course prepares educators to address these gaps through systematic, cumulative, and explicit instruction embedded in reading and writing lessons. Participants will learn practical approaches for supporting students with varying skill levels and addressing foundational needs that affect comprehension, syntax, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Participants will also learn to use quick diagnostic screeners to identify individual literacy needs and use that information to tailor instruction. The course provides ready-to-use strategies, lesson plans, modification ideas, and accommodations that educators can apply to make instruction more accessible and support meaningful progress in reading and writing. By integrating explicit instruction with targeted assessment, educators will be better prepared to address literacy gaps and strengthen students’ academic skills and confidence.
Dyslexia: Reading & Writing Learning Disabilities (PD)
This course provides an in-depth examination of reading and writing disabilities, with a focused emphasis on dyslexia, to prepare educators to implement evidence-based practices in K–12 settings. Participants develop a comprehensive understanding of dyslexia, including its characteristics, underlying factors, and impact on literacy development, while also examining Idaho-specific laws, standards, and recommended practices. The course progresses from foundational concepts of skilled reading and writing to more advanced study of learning disabilities, equipping educators with the knowledge needed to support identification, assessment, and instruction for diverse learners. Grounded in applied practice, the course engages participants in assessments, activities, and structured learning experiences that measure knowledge acquisition and instructional readiness. Assignments are designed to produce practical, implementation-ready tools, strategies, and resources that can be directly used in educational settings. Through substantive participation and guided feedback from an instructor and expert practitioner, participants refine their ability to apply course concepts to real-world contexts. This course meets the professional development and recertification requirements for the State of Idaho as outlined in Idaho Code § 33-1811(4) and supports improved teaching effectiveness and student outcomes.
Elementary Writing Topics (PD)
Strong writing skills developed in the elementary grades provide a foundation for academic learning, communication, and future success. This course examines the essential writing skills students build during these years and practical approaches educators can use to support their development. Participants will explore parts of speech, sentence construction, writing mechanics, the writing process, and the 6+1 Traits of Writing, with attention to strategies and activities that make writing instruction engaging and effective. The course also addresses instruction in narrative, expository, and persuasive writing, helping educators connect foundational skills with increasingly purposeful and complex written expression. Participants will strengthen their understanding of elementary writing development and gain practical approaches they can apply to writing instruction, lesson planning, and student support across classroom and school settings.
English Language Learners (PD)
This course provides K-12 educators with foundational knowledge of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations, first and second language acquisition, and literacy development for English learners. Participants examine educational and legal definitions and terminology, stages and theories of language acquisition, cultural and contextual factors that influence learning, and the relationship between language development and academic literacy. The course addresses the English Learner Professional Development Quality Standards and provides the required 45 clock hours of professional development. Participants apply this knowledge to classroom practice by selecting and adapting curricular materials, aligning academic tasks with students' language-development needs, supporting literacy across content areas, and using formative and summative assessment practices that provide a more equitable picture of student learning. The course emphasizes practical strategies educators can use to increase access to grade-level content while supporting English learners' language, literacy, and academic development.
Foundational Reading Skills (PD)
Foundational reading skills provide the essential building blocks students need to become successful readers and learners. This course develops participants’ understanding of key components of early reading development, including print awareness, phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, sight words, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Participants will examine how these areas work together and explore practical strategies for teaching each skill effectively. The course emphasizes applying foundational reading knowledge to classroom instruction and literacy support in educational settings. Participants will strengthen their ability to select and use instructional approaches that support students’ reading development and will also examine writing as an important extension of literacy learning and a complementary part of overall literacy development.
Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course (PD)
This professional development course builds foundational knowledge of elementary literacy for K–12 educators and school leaders. Participants examine the science of reading, foundational literacy concepts, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, literacy assessment, and the writing process. The course emphasizes how evidence-based instructional and assessment practices can be used to recognize student needs, strengthen literacy instruction, and support improved learning across classrooms and schools. The course is designed to help participants demonstrate the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Standards required for initial certification through certain alternative-route and out-of-state pathways. It may apply to endorsements including Elementary All Subjects, early childhood and special education, blended elementary and special education, Exceptional Child Generalist, and English as a Second Language, as well as other endorsements identified by the state. Participants seeking certification or recertification outside Idaho should confirm that the course meets their state’s requirements.
Secondary Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course (PD)
This professional development course provides K–12 educators and school leaders with a foundation in secondary literacy and the role content-area teachers play in supporting adolescent readers and writers. Participants examine key areas of literacy development, including word recognition, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing, and explore practical ways to integrate literacy instruction into subject-area teaching. Particular attention is given to supporting diverse learners, including English learners and students who continue to experience difficulty with reading and writing. The course is designed to help participants demonstrate the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Standards required for recertification, transfer certification, or initial alternative-route certification in secondary content areas, K–12 content endorsements, Career Technical Education, and other endorsements identified by the state. Participants seeking certification or recertification outside Idaho should confirm that the course meets their state’s requirements.