CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education and the University of Nevada, Reno, are partnering to offer a Summer Literacy Institute. The institute — “Integrating the Science of Reading into the Theory and Practice of Reading Instruction” — is scheduled for July 25-27 in Reno.
Preschool through 12th grade Nevada literacy educators will receive three days of professional learning at no cost. The purpose of the institute is to bridge current reading research and practice, equipping Nevada educators to implement effective teaching strategies.
“Reading skills play a fundamental role in a student’s academic success, and literacy is the foundation on which all other knowledge is built,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are grateful for the partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno, and together, we are committed to innovation and providing educators the time to connect and collaborate.”
In February, Gov. Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER III) funds. The funding targets expanding professional learning opportunities for educators, with a focus on the Science of Reading.
The Summer Literacy Institute is one of four Science of Reading projects supported by this funding and managed by the Nevada Department of Education’s Read by Grade 3 Program. The Nevada Department of Education awarded funding for the institute to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)’s College of Education and Human Development.
“We are excited to cohost this conference, which brings together some of the greatest minds in literacy,” said Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks, dean of the College of Education & Human Development at UNR. “This event will provide our educators with valuable knowledge designed to elevate literacy across the state.”
More than 300 Nevada educators — hailing from 16 out-of-state’s 17 school districts as well as multiple charter schools — are registered for this event.
The institute will include blocks specifically dedicated to each pillar: phonemic awareness; phonics; fluency; vocabulary; comprehension.
Nevada leaders will provide welcome addresses each day during conference sessions including Jill Tolles (executive director Kenny Guinn Center), Brian Sandoval (UNR president/former governor); Dr.Easton-Brooks/Superintendent Ebert among others . Dale Erquiaga ,who served both Superintendent/Public Instruction & acting chancellor/Nevada System/Higher Ed.,will offer parting words .
An impressive lineup prominent literacy researchers nationwide delivering keynote addresses covering various topics: parent involvement ;teaching reading fluency ;practical application/Science/Reading ;Science/Reading/African-American/multilingual learners ;shifting literacy practices/changing student outcomes;using time analysis/maximizing instructional impact
Dr.Patricia Edwards(University/Michigan)—recipient William S.Gray Citation/Merit /International Literacy Association’s top individual honor—delivering opening address Other keynote speakers include Dr.Timothy Rasinski ,Dr.Nathan Clemens ,Dr.Julie Washington ,Dr.Katie Egan Cunningham ,Dr.Nell Duke ,& Dr.Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Educators also hear expert presentations throughout sessions offered distinguished cadre national/local experts
Each day concludes small group implementation work session/discussion/reflection lessons learned
