Literacy services provide professional learning and coaching of instructional approaches in reading, writing, speaking, and listening for K-12 students. These efforts are designed to build a school learning community engaged in studying and promoting growth and student achievement in literacy.

Literacy Goals

The goal of the best practice literacy coaches is to assist school district educators and AEA staff in the effective implementation of literacy best practices, within a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework, through the improvement and implementation of curriculum, instruction, and assessment methods suited to increase the achievement of all learners. Through collaboration and coaching we will:

  • select, train, and coach evidence-based practices and ensure fidelity of implementation
  • select, design, and deliver resources to support the implementation of evidence-based practices

The overview articulates a plan to enhance teacher literacy knowledge. Each and every student deserves a teacher who is equipped with knowledge that will maximize the likelihood of skilled reading and each and every teacher deserves professional learning in what the science of reading (SOR) has shown to help all students read and write.Teacher knowledge of the science of reading is a critical driver for improving student outcomes in literacy. The term “science of reading” includes a knowledge base and a set of practices grounded in the substantial scientific research base of how children learn to read, the essential skills required for reading, high-yield instructional practices, and systems of support that improve outcomes for all students, including those with reading disabilities.

Professional learning/courses will entail:

  • How Students Learn to Read: research from cognitive science on how children learn to read (The Why)
  • Essential Elements of Reading: the skills and knowledge that support literacy and how student needs change across development  (The What)
    • 5 components of reading
    • Simple View of Reading
    • Scarborough’s Reading Rope
    • 4-Part Processor
  • Essential Elements of Effective Instruction: instructional approaches that are based in research and best practice  (The How)
    • Structured Literacy
      • Explicit, Systematic, Sequential, Cumulative
    • Assessment and Data-Based Decision Making

Northwest AEA literacy coaches have collaboratively developed a powerful literacy vision grounded in scientific research and evidence-based language and literacy practices. The best opportunity for better reading outcomes involves teachers who know how students learn to read, know what component skills are essential, and know how to match student needs to instruction on those skills. One clear finding in educational research is that what we do in the classroom matters a great deal. A knowledgeable teacher is a child's best opportunity for better literacy outcomes.

Important contacts

Staff Directory
Image thumbnail for Emily Koson

Emily Koson

Educational Consultant

712-222-6331 Email Emily Koson
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Paula Harding

Educational Consultant

712-222-6341 Email Paula Harding