The Nevada Science of Reading Summer Literacy Institute, held July 25-27, 2024, brought together more than 350 Nevada educators. The purpose of the institute is to establish a statewide level of understanding of reading research that is complemented by effective teaching strategies.
In February, Gov. Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Department of Education 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 College of Education and Human Development received a sub-award of $1.16 million to host the Nevada Science of Reading Summer Literacy Institute in partnership with the Nevada Department of Education.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Nevada Department of Education,” conference organizer Julie Pennington, Ph.D., professor of Literacy Studies at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, said. “The institute was created for teachers to develop their conceptual understanding of content, pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment related to the five pillars of the Science of Reading.”
“We were excited to cohost this institute, which brought together some of the greatest minds in literacy,” Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D., dean of the College of Education & Human Development at the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, said. “This event provided our educators with valuable knowledge designed to elevate literacy across the state.”
Nevada leaders gave welcome addresses each day, including Brian Sandoval, president of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, and former Nevada governor; Jill Tolles, executive director of the ; and Jhone Ebert, superintendent of public instruction for the Nevada Department of Education.
“Reading skills play a fundamental role in a student’s academic success, and literacy is the foundation on which all other knowledge is built,” Ebert said. “We are grateful for the partnership with the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ, and together, we are committed to innovation and providing literacy resources to support educators.”
More than 50 literacy experts from across the nation and Nevada shared their insights on the Science of Reading, focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. The institute included guided workshops where educators could integrate the information into their practice, ensuring the practical application of the knowledge gained.
Keynote speakers addressed research on related areas such as parental involvement, teaching linguistically and culturally diverse students, and how to bring research-based practices into the classrooms of Nevada.
Dale Erquiaga, who served as superintendent of public instruction and acting chancellor for the Nevada System of Higher Education, offered parting words as educators prepare to return to their classrooms.
Participants received a Nevada Department of Education Professional Learning Hours Certificate, access to a yearlong online Science of Reading course and a platform for participants to communicate with one another.
