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.

Enrollment, Delivery, and Completion Information

• EDUC 5597: Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course

• Course Completion: 45 clock hours awarded upon successful completion (graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory)

• Enrollment Type: Open enrollment with self-registration

• Completion Timeframe: Six months from the date of enrollment

• Delivery Format: Fully online

• Purpose: K-12 professional development for recertification/relicensure and, where applicable, salary advancement.*

*Always check your state’s relicensure requirements and your school or district’s requirements before registering for a course to confirm how the course may be used. 

Recertification and Professional Advancement Statement

Successful completion of this course results in a satisfactory or unsatisfactory completion status. This course provides 45 clock hours of professional development that may be applied toward teacher license renewal or recertification requirements. Learners enroll as non-matriculated students, and course completion is recorded on an Idaho State University transcript.

Depending on state, district, employer, and applicable salary schedule requirements, these clock hours may also be eligible for salary advancement, lane movement, or other forms of professional advancement. Acceptance and application of clock hours toward recertification, salary advancement, or other professional purposes are determined by the relevant state board of education, licensing authority, school district, human resources office, collective bargaining agreement, district policy, or other approving entity. Educators are encouraged to verify eligibility and obtain any required pre-approval before enrolling.

Student Expectations

Learners are expected to complete all activities and engage with the content in good faith. The course includes academically engaging learning through readings, lectures, videos, applied activities, and other instructional materials designed to support professional learning and implementation in educational settings. Successful completion requires meaningful participation in all required course components and learning activities as described below:

• Spend the time necessary to complete all assigned learning materials, activities, and assessments in support of the course learning outcomes

• Demonstrate thoughtful and substantive engagement by applying course knowledge through high-quality, timely work that produces practical strategies, tools, resources, or artifacts ready for use in educational settings

Required Materials and Technology

Students must have regular access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer capable of loading and running standard software.

The computer must support word processing, presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat files (PDF), file downloads and uploads,  and viewing videos.

The learning management system supports mobile devices, but mobile access should be considered supplemental only. Mobile devices may limit a student’s ability to complete assignments successfully, particularly those involving file handling, multimedia creation, lesson plan development, or other course activities.

An up-to-date browser on any computer or device is required, along with a reliable internet connection.

General Technology Hardware for Online/Hybrid Courses - ISU Help Desk

No textbook purchase is required for this course.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the core principles of the science of reading and how oral language, phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and word recognition contribute to literacy development.

• Apply evidence-based practices to support reading fluency, vocabulary development, background knowledge, and comprehension across texts and content areas.

• Explain how written expression develops and apply explicit, scaffolded practices that support students in planning, drafting, revising, editing, and writing for varied purposes.

• Distinguish among the purposes and types of literacy assessment and use assessment information to identify student needs, guide instruction, and strengthen classroom and schoolwide literacy support.

Course Modules

Assignments and Grading

Successful course completion requires participants to complete all required learning activities and achieve a score of at least 80%.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to follow institutional policies on academic honesty. Plagiarism, cheating, or misrepresentation of work undermines learning and will result in appropriate consequences as defined by university policy. If you are unsure whether something is acceptable, ask before submitting work.

Accessibility and Disability Services

The university is committed to providing an accessible learning environment. If you have a documented disability and need accommodations, contact the Disability Services office as early as possible to ensure that reasonable accommodations can be arranged. Students without documentation who believe they may have a disability or learning difference are encouraged to consult Disability Services about evaluation options and campus resources.