Course Overview

In middle school and high school, the language demands placed on students increase significantly as academic texts become more complex and content-specific. For English learners, these challenges are compounded by gaps in context and background knowledge, making comprehension even more difficult. At this stage, literacy is no longer just about decoding words—it requires advanced language skills and a solid foundation in world knowledge to make meaning from text. In this course, you will take a closer look at the specific language demands across subject areas and explore why reading fluency—beyond speed and accuracy—is essential to deeper comprehension. You’ll also examine strategies to support English learners in building the linguistic and cognitive skills needed to navigate increasingly rigorous academic content.

Register Now

At a Glance

Extended Education
Approximately 15 hours
Up to 6 months to complete coursework
1 PDU
Graduate Level Professional Development Credit
$150

Program Highlights

Fully Accessible

Flexibility and Accessibility

Courses are 100% online and self-paced. Access textbooks and course materials completely online.

Instructor or Self

Dedicated Mentor

Need help with an assignment? Submit your questions directly to the instructor for quick replies.

Teacher

Teaching Strategies

Gain practical teaching strategies to improve student outcomes.

Standards

Earn Credits

Earn graduate-level professional development credits for salary advancement.

Course Objectives:

  • Identify the role sophisticated vocabulary, word recognition, and automaticity plays in improving reading comprehension.
  • Describe how to boost language development through exposure to challenging literary and informational texts.
  • Discuss how picture books and books written in verse with repeated phrases improve reading fluency.
  • Explain how exposure to volumes of varied text structures and genre features improves language development.
  • Recognize that reading conferences provide space for modeling and listening to oral fluency and word phrasing.

Course Topics:

  • Vocabulary, Word Recognition, and Automaticity
  • Boost Language Development
  • Picture Books and Books Written in Verse
  • Varied Text Structures and Genre Features
  • Reading Conferences, Oral Fluency, and Word Phrasing

Who Should Enroll? 

  • 6-12th grade teachers
  • Teacher candidates
  • School administrators
  • Para-educators
older female teacher who has her credential teaching a group of older elementary school children

Earn your credit in 3 simple steps

Step 1: Register online.

Step 2: Complete the course.

Step 3: Receive credits and obtain an official transcript.

older female teacher who has her credential teaching a group of older elementary school children

What are Graduate-level Professional Development Credits?

Graduate-level professional development credits are not part of a degree program but instead are primarily used for professional advancement such as salary increment steps and recertification. Students should seek approval from appropriate district officials before enrolling in these courses.