Starting Fall 2021, Utah’s K-3 educators in 69 Districts and/or charter schools will be engaging in LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional learning to advance their knowledge and skills in the science of reading.
In light of Utah’s early reading data over the last several years, Utah State Board of Education has prioritized literacy instruction for K-3 students and has selected LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) professional learning to support teachers in advancing their knowledge about the science of reading. Based on middle of year Acadience Reading growth data from the 2020-2021 school year, 69 school districts and charters were chosen to participate in this training. Jordan District was among the 69 school districts. As part of this initiative, all K-3 classroom and special education teachers and instructional coaches serving grades K-3 in the area of literacy are asked to participate in this particular professional learning. School administrators and school psychologists will participate in a leaders training.
The professional learning sessions will be held in regional locations across the state. Actual locations and dates will be determined in coordination with each school district. Sessions will likely occur between August 2021 through September 2023. Because of the implementation of Really Great Reading and Walk to Read, we have requested to start LETRS trainings as late as possible. We are currently waiting for approval from USBE.
LETRS training consists of 8 units. Each unit includes online coursework, classroom application with students, and an in-person session. LETRS training will closely align with the training teachers will receive this summer and the work that will be taking place at your schools. An informational handout is attached.
We are sending out a brief introductory message to K-3 teachers regarding LETRS training. We understand we don’t have full information, but we would like teachers to know a little about LETRS before the Literacy Launch training that begins next week. Please feel free to reach out to Shelley Nordick with questions or concerns.
