Where to get training in the science of reading

On Board Online • June 10, 2024

By Dr. Gayle Simidian
Communications And Research Specialist

Where can teachers get training in the science of reading? Here are three options.

1. SUNY New Paltz currently offers a micro-credential course called the Science of Reading Fundamentals. It is an asynchronous, virtual, self-paced learning module that takes approximately 35 hours to complete, said Associate Provost Laurel M. Garrick Duhaney.

   Course contents include phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, according to Dr. Duhaney.

   School districts that want to sponsor teachers can reach out to Duhaney at microcredentials@newpaltz.edu. BOCES staff, policymakers and parents can also sign up for the course.

2. Beginning in the fall of 2024, the University of Buffalo Graduate School of Education (UB GSE) plans to begin offering a micro-credential program to improve reading instruction. It will target primarily elementary educators, instructional coaches, reading specialists and related educational professionals, according to John Strong, an assistant professor within the Department of Learning and Instruction at UB GSE.
3. The state Legislature has allocated $10 million to New York State United Teachers to offer cost-free training to 20,000 teachers in the science of reading. No timeline has been determined, according to NYSUT spokesperson Anna Gronewold, who said that the program will be aligned with best practices to be identified by the State Education Department. "While we are still developing the program, we do know that the training will be focused on pre-K to grade three reading instruction."