Intermediate+ Structured Literacy
Finally connect the science of reading to real instruction for grades 3–12…on your schedule. No sub plans required. Learn at your own pace, revisit anytime, and implement in real time with guidance from an experienced intermediate teacher and literacy consultant.
This course gives you a clear, step-by-step system to identify the gaps and teach with confidence.
Instead of piecing this together over years, you’ll walk away with a complete approach you can start using immediately.
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This course is designed for 3rd-12th grade educators and interventionists who want to understand how reading research applies to intermediate and secondary students. It is perfect for those who have students who are struggling with reading and spelling, but are unsure of how to help!
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The term structured literacy was coined by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) in 2014 to describe a method of instruction that focuses on both what to teach and how to teach it. It emphasizes the direct teaching of literacy skills such as phonology, sound-symbol correspondence, syllables, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Structured literacy involves using systematic, cumulative, explicit, and diagnostic instruction to ensure that all students can develop strong literacy skills.
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Upon completion of this course, participants will:
Understand current reading research as it applies to older students.
Evaluate the Five Components of Reading and develop strategies for differentiated instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Implement structured literacy strategies tailored for 3rd-12th grade students, integrating explicit and systematic instruction to meet grade-level standards.
Identify common reading deficits (e.g., dyslexia, hyperlexia, language impairments) and use diagnostic tools to inform instruction and remediation.
Design individualized intervention plans based on student assessments to address diverse literacy needs and accelerate reading development.
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Recent NAEP findings highlight the need for knowledgeable literacy teachers:
4th Grade: Only 31% of students performed at or above proficient in 2024.
8th Grade: Just 67% of students met basic reading levels.
We know you care deeply about your students’ success. We also know many intermediate and secondary teachers are unsure what to do to effectively support struggling readers. This course bridges that gap by providing research-based, structured literacy strategies that meet grade-level standards while giving teachers a roadmap for intervention.
This course helps teachers support diverse literacy needs and empower all students to thrive.
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Intermediate+ Structured Literacy Instructor Manual
1 year membership to the Course Resource Vault (not VIP membership)
3rd-8th Grade Diagnostic Assessment Toolkit
Case Study Guide and Intervention Planning Guide
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This course was accredited through Adams State University after a rigous application process. Participants can earn 1.0 graduate credit hours upon completion.
Note: this course was previously accredited through Colorado School of Mines. They are no longer offering their teacher enhancement program.
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You will have one year’s access to the course learning portal. You may request an extension if you need it.
Your older students are still struggling to read. Let’s finally help them.
What you will get:
9 full modules (self-paced)
1 YEAR access to the Learning Portal (Moodle)
3rd-8th Grade Diagnostic Toolkit + intervention guides
Resource vault with dozens of resources for all 5 components (in Moodle)
Continuing Education Certificate of Completing
Option Adam State University Credit
After this course:
You know exactly how to identify reading gaps in intermediate and secondary students…and what to do about them
You can connect all 5 components of reading into a clear, structured plan that actually works for older learners
You confidently deliver explicit, systematic instruction that supports both intervention and grade-level standards
You can analyze assessments and create targeted intervention plans without second guessing yourself
You understand how to support students with dyslexia and other reading challenges using proven, research-based strategies
You walk into your classroom with a clear system, not just ideas, and finally feel confident helping struggling readers succeed
You asked for it, and it’s finally here!
A virtual way to get all you need to deliver systematic, structured literacy to 3rd-12th Graders while earning credit.
Unlimited course access from wherever you choose.
$300 (interest-free, monthly payments available)
$55 1.0 credit hours (optional and paid directly to ASU)
Before this course:
You have older students who still struggle to read, and you’re not sure how to close the gaps
You understand the science of reading… but don’t know how to apply it beyond primary grades
You’re trying to support decoding, fluency, and comprehension…but it all feels disconnected
You rely on programs, interventions, or guessing because no one taught you what to do next
You have students with possible dyslexia or reading difficulties, but feel unsure how to identify and support them effectively
You feel the pressure of grade-level expectations, but don’t have a clear path to get students there
Registration Directions
After checkout, we will contact you with registration details. After you are registered in our online teaching platform, Moodle, you can register for credit through Adams State University here.
Module Objectives
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Module 1- Science of Reading
Gain a clear, introductory overview of the key research-based models that shape effective reading instruction, including:
Structured Literacy
The 5 Components of Reading
Scarborough’s Reading Rope
The Simple View of Reading
The Quadrant Model
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Module 2- Dyslexia
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Understand dyslexia as a learning profile using the quadrant model
Apply key insights from Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
Recognize the common signs of dyslexia (with a practical checklist)
Access screening tools
Discover effective, evidence-based instruction
Provide meaningful accommodations
Debunk common myths
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Module 3- Phonological Awareness
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Define phonological awareness and its role in reading development
Understand why it is critical for early and struggling readers
Teach phonological awareness using explicit, systematic routines
Assess student skills to identify gaps and guide instruction
Provide targeted intervention to support mastery
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Module 4- Phonics & Morphology
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Define phonics and its connection to decoding and encoding
Understand why strong phonics instruction is essential for reading success
Deliver explicit, systematic phonics instruction with confidence
Assess student mastery to inform instructional decisions
Provide targeted remediation for students who are not yet proficient
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Module 5- Fluency
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Define fluency and its impact on comprehension
Understand why fluency is a critical bridge to skilled reading
Teach fluency using effective, evidence-based strategies
Assess fluency (accuracy, rate, and prosody) to guide instruction
Provide targeted support to build automaticity and expression
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Module 6- Vocabulary
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Define vocabulary and its role in comprehension and language development
Understand why vocabulary knowledge is essential for reading success
Teach vocabulary explicitly using research-based strategies
Assess vocabulary knowledge to inform instruction
Provide targeted support to deepen word knowledge and usage
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Module 7- Comprehension
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Define comprehension and how it develops in skilled readers
Understand the factors that impact comprehension
Teach comprehension using explicit, structured approaches
Explore oral and listening comprehension
Assess student understanding to guide instruction
Provide targeted support to strengthen meaning-making and thinking
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Module 8
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Understand the role of data in effective literacy instruction
Use diagnostic assessments to identify specific skill gaps
Analyze student data to make informed instructional decisions
Group students strategically based on need
Plan targeted intervention that aligns to student data
Use the Diagnostic Assessment Toolkits to streamline assessment and instruction
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Module 9- Motivation
In This Module, You’ll Learn How to:
Build student motivation by helping them experience real, measurable success
Use honest, supportive language to help students understand their reading challenges
Set clear, meaningful goals so students know where they are and where they’re going
Create a classroom environment that fosters trust, effort, and growth
Increase intrinsic motivation by connecting progress to effort and achievement
Presentation times are provided to help you estimate the overall course timeline. Each module also includes additional resources, videos, and links for deeper learning. Actual completion time may vary based on the depth at which you engage with the content.
Find out more about the Intermediate+ Structured Literacy On Demand Course.
