The purpose of the Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies is to increase the reading outcomes for elementary students by providing quality, job-embedded professional learning on the science of reading to educators supporting Kindergarten-3rd grade by the end of 2024. Funded through the American Recovery Plan, the Science of Reading Academies are available at no cost to all educators who work in Oklahoma public schools, with a focus on those who work with students in kindergarten through third grade.
NEW!Join Cohort 5 of LETRS in Oklahoma!Thanks to additional funding, OSDE is thrilled to invite Oklahoma educators to register for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) through the Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies. This comprehensive program is designed to equip educators with the essential knowledge and strategies to effectively teach reading and writing skills, empowering students for academic success. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your teaching practice and make a lasting impact in the classroom. Register today using the link below and embark on a transformative journey with LETRS!
What is LETRS?
LETRS, or Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, is a professional development program based on decades of research on effective early reading instruction.
LETRS is not a curriculum for students but is a program designed to help teachers use curriculum resources already available in their districts in a more effective way.
LETRS is program agnostic, meaning the knowledge teachers gain can be applied to any evidence-based curriculum resource.
For more information about LETRS or the LETRS platform, visit the Oklahoma LETRS webpage.
What are the Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies with LETRS?
The Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies is an initiative to support up to 10,000 Oklahoma educators with evidence-based practices for reading instruction. They will provide sustained and job-embedded professional learning on the science of reading, at no cost to educators. The Science of Reading Academies will be based on the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS, learning modules. The Science of Reading Academies will be offered to five different cohorts of educators over the course of 4 years.
The Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies are part of the state's comprehensive literacy plan. The OSDE is using approximately $13 million in federal relief to fund the professional development provided through the academies.
Who is eligible to participate in the Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies?
The Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies, along with the content of LETRS, is for educators who work with students in kindergarten through third grade in Oklahoma schools. This includes general and special education teachers, reading specialists, administrators, and those who teach English learners or in Title 1 schools. Educators who work with students in pre-kindergarten or with students in older grades with identified reading difficulties may attend if space allows.
Why should educators participate in the Oklahoma Science of Reading Academies?
Educators who complete the Science of Reading Academies will gain a rich understanding of how to meet the needs of students in their classrooms. Teachers who complete the Science of Reading Academies may also earn a micro-credential and a $600 stipend from the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Districts may also choose to provide stipends to teachers who complete the Science of Reading Academies. Whether or not a stipend is provided by the district and the amount of the stipend is at the discretion of the district. Districts who are interested in providing this benefit may use federal relief funds (ESSER I, II, or III) or Strong Readers Act funds.
What will participants be expected to do?
Educators who register for the Science of Reading Academies are making a commitment to complete coursework for 2 two years. This will involve about 1-2 hours per week to complete asynchronous online coursework and apply that understanding through activities with students. following each unit, there will be a 6-hour live session with a facilitator to solidify concepts discussed in the unit.
What materials will participants receive?
Participants will receive an email with information and login access to the online portal. Participants will also receive two print books that accompany the online modules. These books will be shipped to the district office of participating educators. Participants will need to communicate with their district office to obtain the materials.
How do the live sessions work?
Towards the end of each unit, educators will participate in a live session with a facilitator. Some of the eight live sessions may be offered in-person and last 6 hours, and other live sessions will be virtual and divided into two 3-hour sessions. Sessions will also be offered in the evenings and on Saturdays for those who desire that option. If a substitute is required, the district will need to cover the cost.
