Structured Literacy Toolkit Training with the Experts

The Structured Literacy Toolkit Training with the Experts, offered through the ALLIED Hub (Advocacy, Leadership, Learning, Implementation, Ed Policy, and Data) at Drexel University, is a 9-week professional learning experience designed to prepare educators and school leaders to effectively implement structured literacy practices and lead collaborative professional learning in their schools.

Participants will receive the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Structured Literacy Toolkit and develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to facilitate a Professional Learning Community (PLC) focused on evidence-based literacy instruction. 

Each session will include direct engagement with nationally recognized literacy leaders and authors of the Blueprint for Structured Literacy (IDA, 2024), providing participants with the opportunity to deepen their understanding through guided discussion and live Q&A.

This series is ideal for school and district leaders, literacy coaches and specialists, teachers leading professional learning, and educators responsible for implementing structured literacy practices.

Hosted by:

Dr. Lori Severino, Director of the ALLIED Hub at Drexel University, and Dr. Pam Kastner, educational consultant and former state lead for literacy in Pennsylvania at PaTTAN, will facilitate and host the series, guiding participants through each session and supporting implementation throughout the learning experience.


Featured Experts Include:

• Reid Lyon
• Kareem Weaver
• Barbara Wilson
• Linnea Ehri
• Katie Pace Miles
• Kate Cain
• Young-Suk Grace Kim
• Louise Spear-Swerling
• Dr. Tim Odegard
• Elsa Cardenas-Hagan

All sessions are held live via Zoom from 4:00–5:30 PM Eastern Time on the Tuesdays listed below.

Date	Session
6/16	Dr. G. Reid Lyon Scientific Research and Classroom Practice: How Structured Literacy Spans the Divide
6/23	Kareem Weaver Inclusivity and Excellence: Why Structured Literacy Is Essential to Safeguard Students’ Civil Rights
6/30	Barbara Wilson Structured Literacy: An Integrated Approach to the Science of Reading
7/21	Linnea Ehri and Katherine Pace Miles Developing Word Reading and Spelling Skills with a Structured Literacy Approach
7/28	Kate Cain Making and Conveying Meaning: How Structured Literacy Integrates Comprehension and Composition
8/4	Young-Suk Grace Kim Structured Literacy and Handwriting: Explicit Instruction of an Essential Skill
8/11	Louise Spear-Swerling The “How” of Structured Literacy: Just as Important as the “What”
8/18	Dr. Tim Odegard Structured Literacy: The Backbone of a Robust Literacy Ecosystem
8/25	Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Structured Literacy for English Learners: A Bridge to Equity

*No sessions on 7/7 or 7/14

Additional Information
Participants will receive a confirmation email after registration. A separate email will be sent with details for each session including the Zoom link. 

Registration and Attendance Policy
In order to receive your Blueprint for Structured Literacy Toolkit in time for the first session, please register by June 1, 2026. Anyone that registers after this date may not receive their toolkit in time for the first few sessions. 

Registration is valid for one individual participant and provides access to program materials and live virtual sessions for that registrant only. Each participant must register separately using their own name and email address.

To support meaningful engagement and ensure accurate participation records, sharing Zoom links or allowing multiple individuals to attend using a single registration is not permitted. Individuals who wish to participate must complete their own registration.

The program organizers reserve the right to restrict access or remove participants from sessions if registration policies are not followed.

Professional Development Credit
Wilson Professional Learning Credits (WPLC) will be available for this training series. Additionally, applications will be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Act 45/Act 48 continuing professional education hours but cannot be guaranteed at this time.

All participants will receive a Certificate of Completion documenting the number of professional learning hours completed, which may be submitted to employers or licensing agencies for professional development consideration.

Payment Options
Individual participants must register and pay by credit card. Purchase orders will be accepted only for group registrations totaling $1,000 or more. Payment or an approved purchase order is required prior to the first session to secure participation.

Late Registration
Registration may occur after the first session has taken place; however, the full program fee applies regardless of the number of sessions attended. No prorated fees, discounts, or payment adjustments will be provided for late registration.

Refund Policy
Registrants may request a full refund if cancellation is received in writing by June 1, 2026. Refund requests received after June 1, 2026 are not eligible for a refund.


Questions
For questions regarding course content, session details, or program information, please contact:

Dr. Lori Severino
Director, ALLIED Hub
Drexel University School of Education
Email:lori@alliedhub.org

For questions regarding registration, payment, or technical/logistical issues, please contact:

Katie O'Brien
Project Manager, ALLIED Hub
Drexel University School of Education
Email:katieob@alliedhub.org