Demystifying and Developing Robust Language Comprehension with Laura Stewart

This practical and lively workshop provides an interactive exploration of the Language Comprehension domain of the Science of Reading. Too often in the public discourse, the Science of Reading is negatively associated with an over-emphasis on instruction in word recognition and phonics, at the expense of robust language comprehension instruction. This session will demystify language comprehension and offer educators concrete strategies to develop students’ language comprehension using instructional practices grounded in the Science of Reading.

Participants will be able to:

• Define the Language Comprehension strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope and explain how each contributes to reading comprehension
• Identify one teaching strategy that can be used for each strand of Language Comprehension
• Name and describe at least one learning task that can be implemented immediately in their classroom.

Audience: Elementary Teachers, Interventionists, Reading Specialists, Reading Coaches, Special Education Teachers

About Presenter: Laura Stewart is an educator and organizational leader.  She has served as a classroom teacher, building and district administrator, adjunct professor, and director of numerous professional development initiatives around the country.  Before joining 95 Percent Group, Laura was the Chief Innovation Officer with The Reading League and the Chief Academic Officer for Professional Development at Highlights for Children. Laura presents nationally and internationally and has written for numerous organizations and publications, including co-authoring The Everything Guide to Informational Text K-2; Best Texts, Best Practices.  She hosted the podcast “Teaching, Reading, and Learning: The TRL Podcast.” Laura serves on several advisory boards and was formerly a certified LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) facilitator. Laura’s  position as the Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group suits her perfectly, as her passion is empowering educators to positively impact ALL students and ultimately change the course of literacy achievement in this country.