July 16, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Department of Education and the University of Nevada, Reno, are partnering to offer a Summer Literacy Institute.

The institute — “Integrating the Science of Reading into the Theory and Practice of Reading Instruction” — is scheduled for July 25-27 in Reno.

Preschool through 12th grade Nevada literacy educators will receive three days of professional learning at no cost.

The purpose of the institute is to bridge current reading research and practice, equipping Nevada educators to implement effective teaching strategies.

“Reading skills play a fundamental role in a student’s academic success, and literacy is the foundation on which all other knowledge is built,” said Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction. “We are grateful for the partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno, and together, we are committed to innovation and providing educators the time to connect and collaborate.”

In February, Gov. Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education announced the allocation of $6 million in federal American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER III) funds.

The funding targets expanding professional learning opportunities for educators, with a focus on the Science of Reading.

The Summer Literacy Institute is one of four Science of Reading projects supported by this funding and managed by the Nevada Department of Education’s Read by Grade 3 Program.

The Nevada Department of Education awarded funding for the institute to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)’s College of Education and Human Development.

“We are excited to cohost this conference, which brings together some of the greatest minds in literacy,” said Dr. Donald Easton-Brooks, dean of the College of Education & Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno. “This event will provide our educators with valuable knowledge designed to elevate literacy across the state.”

More than 300 Nevada educators — hailing from 16 of the state’s 17 school districts and multiple charter schools — are registered for the institute.

The institute will include blocks of time specifically dedicated to each of the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Nevada leaders will provide welcome addresses each day during the conference. Speakers are Jill Tolles, executive director of the Kenny Guinn Center for Public Priorities at UNR; Brian Sandoval, president of UNR and former Nevada governor; Dr. Easton-Brooks; and Superintendent Ebert.

Dale Erquiaga, who served as Superintendent of Public Instruction and acting chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education, will offer parting words as educators prepare to return to their classrooms.

An impressive lineup of prominent literacy researchers from across the country will deliver keynote addresses.

Topics include parent involvement, teaching reading fluency, the practical application of the Science of Reading, the Science of Reading for African American and multilingual learners, shifting literacy practices and changing student outcomes, and using time analysis to maximize instructional impact.

Dr. Patricia Edwards of the University of Michigan — who recently received the William S. Gray Citation of Merit, the International Literacy Association’s top individual honor — will deliver the opening address.

Other keynote speakers include Dr. Timothy Rasinski, Dr. Nathan Clemens, Dr. Julie Washington, Dr. Katie Egan Cunningham, Dr. Nell Duke, and Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan.

Educators will also hear expert presentations throughout the institute. These sessions will be offered by a distinguished cadre of 45 national and local literacy experts.

Each day of the institute will close with a small group implementation work session, including an opportunity for discussion and reflection on lessons learned.

All participants will have access to a yearlong online institute Canvas course that will be available before, during, and after the conference.

The course will include presenters’ materials, access to research, and a platform for participants to communicate with one another.

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About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram.