Literacy Matters is concerned with the motivation and academic challenges associated with learning or using literacy for varied purposes. Literacy Matters seeks to empower parents, teachers, and employers to recognize and address the literacy matters that affect their lives, so that literacy can become an effective tool as well as an enjoyable pastime. Read about Reading and Writing, Training, and Higher Education services below.
Reading & Writing Matters
For some, learning to read and write is a smooth process that leads to school success. For others, learning to read and write well can be a challenge that leaves them feeling defeated. In any case, the instructional needs of literacy learners can be determined by appropriate assessment and addressed with targeted instruction. [Contact Us for More Information]
Diagnostic Reading & Writing Assessment (All ages)
A proper diagnostic assessment will identify a person’s reading and writing strengths and precisely determine that individual’s instructional needs. These needs may include challenging enrichment activities, highly structured remedial tasks or something in between. Specific assessments may focus on reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary development, word identification, word analysis, phonics skills, emerging literacy skills, written expression, vocabulary use, grammar or punctuation skills.
Workshops for Middle and High School Students
Short workshops and week-long summer experiences are designed to strengthen the skills of middle school, high school and college students. These enrichment and review sessions target a variety of topics such as comprehending difficult material, handling textbook reading, understanding the deeper meaning in a text, study skills, managing homework demands, and college success strategies.
Student Advocacy
IEPs, 504s, accommodations – these are routine for school personnel but not so for parents. Workshops and individual sessions can help parents learn the language of special education services, understand their child’s rights, and communicate more effectively with the school.
Training Matters
Literacy Matters provides training for adults who wish to improve literacy knowledge or practice in their personal or professional lives. This includes parents and teachers who want to learn specific techniques and strategies to support literacy learners. [Contact Us for More Information]
Reading & Writing Workshops & Demonstration Lessons for Parents
Whether you are a parent seeking to help your child with homework or a homeschool parent responsible for your child’s entire literacy education, interactive, hands-on workshops can teach you research-based, appropriate techniques for teaching reading and writing.
Reading & Writing Workshops & Demonstration Lessons for Teachers
Teachers are life-long learners and there is no end to their commitment to their students’ success. Interactive, hands-on workshops can teach teachers research-based, appropriate techniques that they may add to their repertoire of literacy instruction and assessment methods.
Workplace Training Workshops
Workshops and courses are designed based on a needs-assessment and in collaboration with the employer. Among the many topics covered are writing professional reports, case study writing or writing mechanics refreshers.
Higher Education Matters
Teacher education faculty face significant challenges – hiring freezes, shrinking budgets, changing priorities, institutional constraints – that may impede their work. Literacy Matters provides a variety of support services for teacher education programs. [Contact Us for More Information]
Reading, Writing, and Language Arts Education Course Guidance
University-level reading and language arts courses designed for teacher education programs. These courses are developed around state guidelines, the Model Core Teaching Standards of the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), and the International Literacy Association (ILA) Standards for Reading Professionals. Based on a needs-assessment, may include (1) course syllabi, (2) detailed weekly lesson plans, (3) companion PowerPoint presentations for lesson plans, (4) CAEP-approved performance assessments, and (5) demonstration lessons.
Literacy Program Review Preparation
Coordination of literacy education program self-study and program review that is required for accreditation.
Teacher Evaluation and Mentoring
Independent evaluation of teacher competence including classroom observations and objective report of conclusions. Mentoring available.