This course is currently at capacity, and we have established a waiting list for interested participants. We are actively working to secure additional seating; however, we do not have a specific timeline for when this will be accomplished.
Individuals who are committed to completing both courses are encouraged to add themselves to the waitlist. This is a commitment paid by the state of Arizona and a commitment form will be required for those who move forward with participation.
If you wish to be added to the waiting list, please click the link provided and fill out a form to be added to a waitlist
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Pathways to Proficient Reading is designed for educators who are committed to learning about the connection between reading research, theoretical models such as the Simple View of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, and best practices for language and literacy instruction in the classroom. Participants will learn effective instructional practices that will benefit all students, including linguistically diverse populations and those with or at risk for language-based learning disabilities. At the end of this professional development opportunity, participants will be able to draw from their specialized knowledge in the science of reading to increase their students’ literacy outcomes through evidence-based diagnostic, prescriptive literacy instruction and intervention.
This Knowledge Block includes twenty-six asynchronous sessions made-up of discussion topics, articles, online tasks, and pre-recorded videos along with asynchronous applications to practice assignments. Topics include: oral language, reading proficiency, structured literacy, phonological awareness, orthography, phases of literacy development, comprehension, vocabulary, language structure, text structure, verbal reasoning, building background knowledge, data-driven decision making, and multi-tiered systems of support.
- Audience: Reading educators and leaders
- Cost: FREE + the purchase of the required text (needed for Sections 18-26)
- Location: Blackboard Ultra online course
- Registration: Required in APLD for each participant
- Time: Asynchronous, should take approximately 90 hours to complete
- Date: OnDemand
- Passing: 80%
- Credit: 90 clock hours, upon passing
- Required Text: *Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills (Fourth Edition) by Judith R. Birch and Suzanne Carreker. This book is required to complete Sections 18-26 of this course.
Participants must register individually. Blackboard link accessible in APLD “Active Courses” once registered.
Certificates:
- **To receive a certificate, you must pass each course knowledge inventory with an 80% or higher and complete each application to practice assignment.
This knowledge block counts towards the K-5 literacy endorsement for a total of 90 clock hours.
- Spring 2026-Sign up for AIM Institute Coursework
- Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Pathways to Proficient Reading Course
- Fall 2027-Spring 2028 Pathways to Structured Literacy Course
- For questions regarding this resource, please contact Arizona Department of Education (ADE).
- Contact Name: Karolyn Corey, Holly Herriges, Lauren Spenceley
- Phone No: 602-364-1530
- Email Address: Karolyn.Corey@azed.gov