Help! How Do I Get My District Administrator or School Principal on Board with the Science of Reading?
One of the most important factors in student learning is the teacher’s knowledge base. In recent years, there has been promising evidence that teachers are becoming better equipped to teach reading and writing by better understanding the science of reading. However, major decisions about curriculum and instruction are often made at the administrative level. Without equally knowledgeable and supportive leadership, teachers may find themselves limited in their ability to implement substantial change in their classrooms. Join Melody Ilk and Julie Klingerman as they present very specific and practical ways to begin talking with leadership about moving toward best practices in reading and writing for your students.
Presenters
Dr. Julie Klingerman
National LETRS Trainer
Julie Klingerman has worked in education for more than 34 years, in which she has been a classroom teacher, literacy coach, and reading specialist for primary and secondary students. She earned her doctorate in reading and literacy in 2016 and is an adjunct instructor of literacy for graduate students at Liberty University and Wilson College. Dr. Klingerman also is a national LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) trainer and enthusiastic advocate for research-based professional development for all teachers.
Melody Ilk
National LETRS Trainer
Melody Ilk is a national literacy consultant with numerous years of successful work in districts and schools around the country. She has a strong history of involvement in implementation of scientifically-based reading practices at the local, state, and national levels. As a result, these schools have shown significant gains in reading achievement and instructional effectiveness at all tiers of instruction. Melody’s strength in working with schools is in analyzing school achievement data and culture and identifying the school systems, structures, and professional development that will best move a school forward. She has been training LETRS: Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling for 15 years and is a co-author of The Principal’s Primer for Raising Reading Achievement.