AGENDA

Developing Cultural Awareness Through the use of Literature Circles (MS-HS)
Literature circles are a responsive instructional practice that can be utilized to develop cultural awareness and empathy. Students can walk in the shoes of diverse populations and engage in their lived experiences.

Nancy Bradley & Donna Fortune

I’m a Smooth Reader: Fluency Protocols (K-6)
Elizabeth Landry

Developing Vocabulary Knowledge Beyond Direct Instruction (4-HS)
Participants will spend this session learning how to increase incidental word learning for students through a variety of interactive and engaging approaches to raise vocabulary and improve reading comprehension. Access to materials will be shared.

Beth Estill

Getting Flexible About Small Groups (K-3)
In this session, we will learn the what, why, and how of using flexible grouping to target students' instructional needs. Through the lens of a classroom case study example, we will provide a process for shifting to a flexible model of targeted group instruction.

Amy Wolford

Integrating Reading and Writing Using Complex Text and Information Based Content (3-HS)
Come join us and examine cross-curricular argumentation and expository writing using complex text sets. The participants will learn how to integrate reading and writing into instruction while utilizing strategies to break down complex text. The session will enlighten attendees by providing them with a strong research base and practical application ideas to support their endeavors in seamlessly integrating reading and writing in history, science, English, or math classes.  

Tammy Williams (VLSA)

Using Children's Literature to Launch Discussions of Race in Elementary Classrooms: An Anti-Oppressive Approach (K-6)
This presentation shares findings from a study of rural elementary teacher’s use of literature to discuss race and offers suggestions for avoiding missteps that inadvertently reinforce the racial status quo.

Rachelle Keuhl

Are we doing it? Assessing and Addressing the Enabling Conditions for Successful EBLI Implementation
Just shy of one school year into the implementation of the Virginia Literacy Act and many school and division personnel find themselves wondering if they did enough to build the extensive support system necessary for successful EBLI to occur. This session explores the very real "implementation gap" that happens with even the best professional development and HQIM at the ready. New assessments, new curriculum, new standards and more - we'll dive into the enabling conditions necessary for seeing the student outcomes we're all hoping for.

TTAC-Radford (Lauren Catherwood-Ginn, Kristyn Schmidt & Sharon Zuckerwar)

Fluency & Vocabulary as Bridges to Comprehension (K-5)
Lori will unpack fluency and vocabulary as the bridge to comprehension. You’ll reconsider your fluency schedule, learn a five-step vocabulary research-based routine, and hear why we shouldn’t be teaching reading comprehension strategies in isolation (and what you can do instead). You’ll learn research-backed strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow, along with downloadables like podcasts and printable resources.

Lori Sappington

From PALS to VALLSS: What Now? (K-3)
Now that you have all of this VALLSS data, what can you do with it? This session will focus on grouping students into skills-based groups that will maximize instructional time and student learning.

Christine Scarpinato

Creative Writing to Build Literacy and Community in Schools and Classrooms (MS-HS)
Learn how creative writing builds a culture of literacy in middle and high schools. Explore the ways in which creative writing encourages all students to engage in writing across content areas and as an extracurricular.

Emily Rizzetta & Bethley Giles

What Is, What If? (6-HS)
MG & YA author Marina Budhos will describe her process researching and writing her novels “The Long Ride” and “Watched,” both of which originated in ‘real world’ issues. How does the fiction writer use research? How much research is enough? How to weave context for the young, contemporary reader? How to excite and ignite a young reader’s interest in social studies and history via storytelling?

Marina Budhos

Unlocking Complex Text: Scaffolding for Success (4-MS)
All students deserve instruction in complex text, but how do we unlock it for them? Learn how to meet kids where they are and implement scaffolds that lead to success!

Kacey Sterne

Unlocking the Code: Phonics-Based Strategies for Building Fluency (K-3)
This session will be focused on the powerful connection between phonics instruction and reading fluency. Educators will explore how mastering phonics — through targeted decoding, word recognition, and systematic instruction — lays the foundation for fluent reading. With an emphasis on small group instruction, participants will learn how to deliver focused phonics lessons that not only teach students to decode words but also help them read with greater speed, accuracy, and expression. The session will provide research-backed strategies, practical tools, and fluency-building activities designed to enhance phonics instruction and make a tangible difference in students' ability to read fluently. Whether you're enhancing your small group teaching or reinforcing phonics concepts across your classroom, this PD session will equip you with the strategies and confidence needed to unlock reading fluency through phonics.

Amie Burkholder

Literacy Lane: Unlocking Language Comprehension (P-6)
Literacy Lane story walks engage students through language comprehension. Participants will learn about the collaborative development of the program, including the variety of texts and activities offered.

Julie Dauksys

Empowering Literacy Through AI: Tools to Ignite Student Engagement and Imagination (P-HS)
Discover how AI /ChatGPT can revolutionize literacy instruction by enhancing student engagement, supporting diverse learners, and streamlining lesson planning through personalized content, creative activities, and efficient assessments.

Bettina Mason & Jacqueline Mitchell