STAR Training: Alphabetics Module

Presenter: Jennifer Kent-Isaacs, NYSED STAR Certified Trainer

Morning Refreshments and Networking Lunch Provided

If you are teaching intermediate-level adult learners (grade level equivalent 4.0 – 8.9) and are interested in assisting your students in improving in reading, consider attending the Student Achievement in Reading (STAR) series of trainings. STAR is a national professional development initiative for adult reading instruction created by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). Since 2001, STAR has supported more than 20 states and local programs in their efforts to improve adult reading achievement by implementing evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI).

The STAR Reading Program consists of Four Topic Area Modules covering Eight Components:

• Alphabetics Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Fluency Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Vocabulary Assessment and Instructional Strategies
• Comprehension Assessment and Instructional Strategies

The STAR certified trainer will begin each of the module trainings by giving educators a brief background in the program. You will be introduced to the four reading topic areas and given an overview of how these components interact. The trainer will introduce you to all the details of the assessment process and will guide you through hands-on practice. The knowledge you gain during the training will equip you with valuable tools and strategies to enhance your reading instructional planning, and lead your students toward reading and writing success.

Alphabetics Assessment and Instruction

The Alphabetics Assessment and Instruction Training Module will provide you with the necessary tools to assess your adult education students’ skill in alphabetics and phonics. You will learn to conduct, score, and interpret the Alphabetics Assessment. The trainer will review some facts about alphabetics and introduce you to evidence-based techniques for teaching basic and advanced alphabetics. You will practice using the four steps of explicit instruction to teach basic and advanced phonics, and learn guiding principles for alphabetics instruction. You will also learn how to monitor your students’ progress in alphabetics, and have a chance to give feedback on instructional practices.

This 6 hour training counts toward the 14 hours of professional development requirement for all NYSED funded program staff.