Comprehensive Literacy Instruction for Multi-Level Groups of Learners Using AAC!!

Important note: The content across the two sessions with Karen Erickson and Lori Geist is designed to be complementary and participants are invited to attend one or both. Participation in day one (Comprehensive Literacy Instruction) is not required in order to benefit from day two (Starting with the Basics). However, participants who attend day one will be especially well‑prepared for the in‑depth focus on foundational AAC intervention strategies discussed on day two.

Programs serving learners who cannot rely solely on speech to be heard and understood often include learners with a range of literacy abilities and learning needs. In this session, participants will learn to plan and deliver comprehensive, multi-level literacy instruction to address the full range of learning needs. Beginning with a framework focused on identifying whether an individual learner requires emergent or conventional literacy instruction, the session will provide specific guidance regarding multi-level, comprehensive literacy instruction for individuals who use or would benefit from the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). 

Participants will be able to:

1. list 4 questions to determine the need for emergent versus conventional literacy instruction.
2. describe 5 elements of emergent literacy instruction.
3. describe 5 elements of conventional literacy instruction.
4. access 4 free implementation models to support application of emergent and conventional literacy instructional practices.

Agenda: 

9:00-9:15:        Introductions

9:15-9:45:        Comprehensive literacy instruction

9:45-10:15:      Identifying an appropriate comprehensive literacy plan

10:15-10:30:    Break

10:30-12:00:    Emergent literacy routines and overview of available free resources

12:00-1:00:      Lunch

1:00 – 2:30:      Conventional literacy routines

2:30-2:45:        Break

2:45-3:45:        Integrating emergent and conventional routines in multilevel instruction and      overview of available free resources

3:45-4:00:       Wrap-up and final questions