CA Dyslexia Initiative Professional Learning
NAVIGATION
The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE), through the California Dyslexia Initiative, is developing dyslexia-related resources for educators. These include videos and professional learning modules that help foster a deeper understanding of dyslexia and support students who have difficulty learning.
The training videos—along with their associated companion documents—are designed to increase the understanding and awareness of dyslexia, and how to better support students.
2023–24 Professional Learning Opportunities
- Dyslexia Initiative 2023 Professional Learning Network—learn from leading experts and collaborate with colleagues
- Free Dyslexia Webinars Available for 2023–24—monthly series of presentations focuses on “structured literacy”
- Free Dyslexia Training for Educators in Fall 2023—expert to discuss screening and support for students
Videos
Literacy: The Human Right of the 21st Century—Dr. Tracy White Weeden discusses the moral imperative of reading success for all. Children and adults who are taught to unlock the structure of the English language have a “place at the table of plenty” in a 21st-century knowledge economy. The stakes are high: the “school-to-prison pipeline” is a potentially grim reality for scholars when systems are not designed for their success. As a literacy ally, what can your part be to influence from the middle as part of a literacy movement with a focus on reading success for all?
Dyslexia: Understanding the Science and Proven Instructional Approaches—Join Dr. Tracy White Weeden and Dr. Rebecca Tolson for a robust discussion of the science of reading and dyslexia including the key features of the Structured Literacy approach and activities for different levels, including students at risk in literacy for a variety of reasons, such as those from low-income backgrounds or English learners. Current research will be presented to ensure participants have a basic understanding of this common reading disability.
What Does It Mean to Be a Skilled Reader?—Humans are born wired to talk. They learn by being surrounded by spoken language. Learning to read, on the other hand, is different since people don't instinctively know how. This course explains what is needed to become a skilled reader by examining two foundational models of reading instruction: “The Simple View of Reading” (a formula that demonstrates how reading is based on word recognition and language comprehension) and Hollis Scarborough’s “Reading Rope” (a visual representation of what goes into learning to read).
What is Dyslexia?—Early and accurate identification of dyslexia, in combination with evidence-based intervention and instruction, is critical for students to be successful. This video explores the four elements that form the definition of dyslexia that was approved in 2002 by the Research Committee of the International Dyslexia Association and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.