LETRS® (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional development responds to the need for high-quality literacy educators. Developed by literacy expert Louisa C. Moats, Ed.D. LETRS provides the deep foundational knowledge necessary to understand how students learn to read, write, and spell—and why some of them struggle.

Why LETRS? Because teachers, not programs – teach students to read.• LETRS is based in real-world experience and the science of reading• LETRS training prepares educators to diagnose why some students fail to learn to read, spell or write. • LETRS training provides strategies and activities that cam be implemented immediately.• LETRS increases effectiveness of any core or supplemental program.

For more information about LETRS, including the research base, go to www.LETRS.com

LETRS and the Common Core State Standards

About the Training LETRS is divided into 12 Core Modules:

• Foundations:  LETRS Foundations is a teacher’s first step into the deeper, more comprehensive content of the core modules. LETRS Foundations is professional development for teachers of reading who are beginning to implement the components and principles of scientifically based reading instruction. This first module introduces the science of how children learn to read; the importance of oral language, phoneme awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in reading instruction; and how to put LETRS concepts to work in the classroom.
• Module 1: Overview of the science of teaching reading, why students struggle, where instructional emphasis needs to be placed (appropriate for teachers of all grades)
• Modules 2,3: Phonology; Phonics; and Spelling (appropriate for teachers of all grades—emphasis on foundational skills)
• Modules 4-6: Vocabulary; Comprehension; and Fluency (appropriate for teachers of all grades)
• Modules 7-9: Systematic Phonics Instruction; Assessment; and  Writing Instruction (appropriate for teachers of all grades)
• Module 10: Multisyllabic Words and Advanced Decoding (appropriate for teachers of upper elementary and beyond)
• Teaching English Learners:  Teaching English Learners addresses the key principles of effective instruction for ELLs. This manual provides a framework for understanding critical components of ELL reading instruction that link directly to observable instructional behaviors in the classroom. Teaching English Learners is for instructional leaders who have a responsibility to establish policies involving effective instruction for ELLs.
• LETRS for Early Childhood Educators:  Designed specifically for early childhood educators, this interactive module prepares teachers to provide instruction that is proven to build a strong foundation in early literacy skills. The program explores language and literacy in ways that create a deeper understanding of these important processes. This module is for educators working with preschool and kindergarten children or early elementary children who are experiencing difficulty with the literacy process.
• ParaReading:  ParaReading prepares today’s paraprofessionals for the increasing demands placed on them in the reading classroom. To be effective, paraeducators and reading tutors need training that incorporates current, scientifically based research on student learning. This is the single best resource available to any potential tutor who wants to become an integral part of the reading instruction process. Based on key LETRS concepts, ParaReading not only increases the effectiveness of reading tutors, but also grounds them in a proven, research-based system of teaching.

Training in modules may occur separately (1-2 days per module), or up to three modules may be provided in approximately 4-5 days.

Training in Modules 1-10 is available now. Training in the English Learners Module and the Early childhood Module is also available. Check back often for more information regarding training opportunities!

Training may be accessed only through certified Kansas LETRS trainers. Trainers are affiliated with service centers and districts around the state. For more information about how to access training, contact a trainer in your area, or contact Kevin Davis, TASN Coordination at kevin.davis@usu.edu