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Support older striving readers who are still developing word-reading skills—without lowering expectations for grade-level learning.
The session will address a common challenge in upper elementary and secondary classrooms: when students struggle with reading, educators often rely on texts at students’ “instructional level.” Dr. Shanahan will explain why this well-intentioned approach can slow progress and limit opportunities for knowledge-building and academic growth, and he will share more effective alternatives.
Participants will learn how to balance two essential priorities:
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Accelerating decoding development for students with weak decoding skills, including those below the decoding threshold
- Ensuring continued engagement with grade-level content through effective scaffolding
The session will offer a set of high-impact strategies that help students participate meaningfully in grade-level learning while building toward independent, grade-level reading.
Presented by:
Dr. Timothy Shanahan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Illinois Chicago
Dr. Janine Walker-Caffrey, Chief Academic Officer, EPS Learning
Two Jobs, One Classroom: Strengthening Decoding While Teaching Grade-Level Text
