Program 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.

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At a Glance

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

Online and self-paced | Dedicated mentor | Interactive assignments

Real-world case studies | Earn graduate level professional development credits

Upon successful mastery of this course, you will be able to:
  • 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

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.

Resources

Syllabus

Refund Policy

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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.

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