Are you looking for professional development training that is outlined in 2023 Wisconsin Act 20? The professional development modules in Keys to Beginning Reading (KBR) are just what you need!

This practical course is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association’s (IDA) Center for Effective Reading Instruction. The course includes evidenced-based instructional practices aligned with the National Reading Panel and subsequent Institute of Education Science research guides, including a direct and structured approach to literacy instruction. KBR provides the background knowledge needed to teach all the components of beginning reading instruction. The instructional practices are designed to easily transfer to classroom lessons and can be integrated with any reading curriculum or published reading program. The course is tightly aligned with state literacy standards. Keys to Literacy (KTL) offers multiple formats for delivery.

Why choose Keys to Literacy to provide your professional development?

KTL has been conducting evidence-aligned, systematic, structured literacy trainings for over 15 years. Keys to Literacy has customized versions of Keys to Beginning Reading that are approved to meet professional development requirements for the following states: AZ, CO, LA, OR, OH, RI.

Keys to Literacy is a nationally recognized leader in the field of literacy professional development and our trainers have deep knowledge and experience about research-based reading instruction practices. Our practical course helps participants make connections to classroom instruction and is economically priced.

Who should participate?

Every Wisconsin teacher K-3. It is also appropriate for literacy coaches and administrators who develop beginning reading curriculum or support teachers.

What is the deadline for completion?

According to Act 20, the required professional development needs to begin by July 1, 2025. The KTL team partners with our clients to identify the delivery method and to develop a schedule that best meets their needs.

Course Content

The course is organized into 11 modules covering topics that include: reading basics, oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, sentence structure, text structure, comprehension, students with reading difficulties and dyslexia, and reading assessment. A 460-page training manual is included. Visit our Keys to Beginning Reading home page.

Multiple Options for Accessing Keys to Beginning Reading

 

Option 1: Live Training 

In this option, educators participate in a maximum of 36 hours of live training delivered by Keys to Literacy using a virtual-live format (using Zoom meeting software) or onsite at your school or district. KTL will develop a customized professional development plan to provide training for all of the modules following a flexible schedule. Optional “connect to the classroom” implementation coaching is available. Download a brochure with more details.

Option 2: Facilitated-Online Course

This facilitated online option is for educators who would like to complete the online course and also participate in live, debrief sessions facilitated by a Keys to Literacy trainer. This course format combines 36 hours of online modules with 12 hours of facilitated sessions with a KTL trainer. Optional “connect to the classroom” implementation coaching is available. Download a brochure with more details

Option 3: Asynchronous Online Course

This option is available to schools and individual educators. Educators complete the professional development on their own, using an asynchronous online course. The course is customized to meet the minimum 36 hours of professional development. Optional “connect to the classroom” implementation coaching is available. Click here to purchase the asynchronous online course.

Option 4: KTL Certified Train-the-Facilitator Option

This option is for districts and educational organizations seeking to use in-house literacy trainers to deliver Keys to Beginning Reading. A KTL certified facilitator is licensed to conduct the facilitation sessions under the auspices of their sponsoring organization. The ideal candidate is someone who has a strong background in evidence-based literacy instruction such as a reading specialist, literacy coach, or experienced beginning reading teacher. Optional “connect to the classroom” implementation coaching is available. Download a brochure with more details.

Overview Video

Click here to watch a 17-minute video of a previous webinar about the options for Keys to Literacy’s professional development that meets the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 legislation. Lisa Klein, Vice President of Keys to Literacy, reviews the multiple, customized, format options for completing the training.

Contact Us

Keys to Literacy will work with you to develop a customized professional development plan for any of the above options.

Contact us to learn more:

  • Email: info@keystoliteracy.com
  • Phone: 978-948-8511

Graduate credit is available for Keys to Beginning Reading through University of the Pacific. Click here for more information.

 

ACCESSING KEYS TO LITERACY PD DURING SCHOOL CLOSURES

We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and the impact on our employees and the schools where we provide professional development.

During this time period when onsite, face-to-face training and coaching is not possible, we offer multiple options for accessing our literacy PD content and instructional practices.

If you are a current or new partner, explore our website or contact us to learn more about:

info@keystoliteracy.com
978-948-8511