Hill Relaunches Science of Reading Course

Hill Learning Center is thrilled to have launched an updated version of the popular “Science of Reading Short Course.” The Science of Reading Short Course is a one-of-a-kind overview of the science behind effective reading instruction. In 2021-22, nearly 3,000 individuals worldwide enrolled in the self-paced online course that encapsulates more than 40 years of research and offers an efficient and affordable introduction to the science of reading for a variety of educators – teachers, instructional coaches, school and district leaders, and pre-service candidates – as well as parents interested in learning about evidence-based reading instruction.

“This professional learning course offers just enough information to support educators who are just beginning to develop an understanding of the science of reading and there are also opportunities with links, articles and additional resources to support those who are ready for deeper learning.”

Amy Mesick, Vancouver Public Schools

The revised course includes six modules bookended by a short introduction and wrap-up:

• Course Introduction: How We Learn to Read
• An Introduction to the Science of Reading
• Structured Literacy
• The Word Recognition Domain
• The Language Comprehension Domain: Reader’s Knowledge
• The Language Comprehension Domain: Processes and Strategies
• Reading Comprehension
• Course Wrap Up

Based on adult learning theory, each of the six modules has clearly stated objectives, explicitly written background information, useful video demonstrations, numerous graphic illustrations, interactive activities to apply and reinforce concepts, robust downloadable resources and links, and a knowledge check to support mastery. The original Science of Reading Short Course was collaboratively created through a partnership of five educational organizations across the country to train Teach For America corps members during the first summer of the pandemic. As an outgrowth of this work, Hill Learning Center spearheaded an effort to refine the content into a relevant and engaging course for all teachers of reading. The newest version was developed by Hill in partnership with The Farthest Pixel and with contributions and guidance from leaders representing Barksdale Reading Institute, 95 Percent Group, The Right to Read Project, and The Reading Teacher’s Top Ten Tools.

The revised version is designed to take between 10-15 hours to complete depending on the participant’s prior knowledge and the degree to which they elect to engage in extended learning opportunities. In addition to more resources and extended learning opportunities, the updated version has new videos and interactive activities, more voices represented, and fresh content related to brain science, Ehri’s phases of word development, text selection, language comprehension, and more!

“Barksdale Reading Institute is an enthusiastic supporter of and contributor to the Science of Reading Short Course. This affordable introductory course is needed in the vast marketplace of literacy resources to provide an easily accessed on-ramp for teachers and administrators whose previous training did not include these critical evidence-based practices supported by decades of research.”

Kelly Butler, Chief Executive Officer of The Barksdale Reading Institute (BRI) and Advisor of the Science of Reading Short Course