ILA Next: Registration Is Open

Middle Pathway (Ages 12–14)

Literacy education in the middle years means shifting focus to knowledge building while still shoring up foundational literacy skills. Explore topics such as adolescent reading and writing, interventions for struggling learners, word study, and more.

WEEK 1 — Tuesday, October 6

6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

The Power of a Literate Life

Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst

Join us in our workshop as we share how to use the Notice and Note Signposts for fiction and nonfiction as a way to empower readers. Participants who have not yet used the Signposts will receive a brief overview, while participants skilled with the Signposts will learn new ways to use them. We'll discuss both fiction and nonfiction and provide examples that are appropriate for face-to-face or distanced instruction. We'll move into complex texts as well as visit how picture books provide a good introduction for students. Join us as we share how to help students discover the power of a literate life.

WEEK 2 — Tuesday, October 13

6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Concept-Based Literacy: Creating Multiple Pathways to Ignite Understanding and Transfer

Tiffanee Brown and Amy Caramella

How can concepts be leveraged to promote access, student choice, personal relevance, and transfer in a literacy classroom? Inductive inquiry-based learning experiences in a literacy classroom allow students to be actively engaged in the construction of meaning through the exploration of rich text examples across a range of genres. In this workshop, you will learn how to weave together current literacy practices with inductive inquiry to deliberately leverage students' conceptual understanding of what it takes to be a capable reader, writer, speaker, listener, and viewer. See why concept-based literacy is one of the keys to designing dynamic learning experiences in which authentic contexts and thinking become the catalyst to mastering literacy skills.

WEEK 3 — Tuesday, October 20

6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Building a Community of Readers and Writers: How Exploring Identity Helps Us Better Understand the World Around Us

Brent Gilson

In this workshop, we'll explore how to build and grow a community of readers and writers by focusing on identity work in the classroom. Through self-awareness and understanding, students become better equipped to identify and address topics related to social justice.

WEEK 4 — Tuesday, October 27

6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET

Building Digital Literacy Skills Using Culturally Relevant Literature for the Middle School Learner

Shontoria Walker

This workshop will focus on using culturally relevant literature to build digital literacy skills. Digital literacy entails the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. Using literature that is inclusive and that empowers students to use their cultural schema to build their digital literacy skills will lead to not only increased student engagement but also strong classroom culture during virtual and face-to-face instruction.

Pathway Workshops will broadcast live 6:30 PM–8:00 PM ET each Tuesday of the four-week event. A closed-captioned recording of each week's Pathway Workshop can be accessed on demand within five (5) business days.