Are you looking for free professional development that meets the required foundational reading skills addressed in the Alaska Reads Act?
Keys to Literacy is an approved provider by the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development to provide a free professional development course that meets these requirements. Participants will be responsible for their endorsement fees for any courses completed after 7/1/2024. Please contact DEED for questions related to the endorsement fee. Click here to learn more about Alaska Reads.
About the Professional Development Course
Alaska K-6 educators can participate in a hybrid-online course titled Keys to Beginning Reading that totals 46 hours. Participants spend approximately 36 hours completing modules in an asynchronous online course and attend five, two-hour, virtual-live meetings facilitated by Keys to Literacy trainers (totaling 10 hours).
About the online coursework:
- Participants will complete a 36 hour online course in combination with the five, two-hour, virtual-live meetings
- Participants will complete the course in 6- to 8-hour sections prior to each meeting
- The online course content is self-paced and includes readings, videos, quizzes, and reflection activities.
In order to receive credit for completing the course and meet the required foundational reading skills addressed in the Alaska Reads Act, participants must:
- Complete the full online course (36 hours)
- Attend all five, 2-hour virtual-live meetings via Zoom(totaling 10 hours)
- Complete a pre-assessment at the start of the online course
- Complete and pass a post-assessment given at the end of the final session.
There is optional graduate credit offered through the University of Alaska (3 credits for $119). Information will be made available to people registered in the course. Please note, the asynchronous online course provided by DEED is not eligible for the graduate credit. Only those who go through the Keys to Literacy Facilitated program are eligible for this option.
Click here for an information document about this Alaska Reads course.
Who can take the course?
The following educators are eligible to register for this course:
- Any grades K-6 educator (including special education and ESL/ELL teachers responsible for reading instruction or intervention)
- Administrators working with grades K-6 students and educators can attend this course or an alternative course offered by AK DEED specific to administrators
Cohorts Schedule for School Year 24-25 detailed below:
Winter 2024 Semester–CLOSED (please see spring dates)
- Cohort 1: Wednesdays (4:00-6:00 PM AKST): Dec 11, Jan 15, Jan 29, Feb 19, March 26
- Cohort 2: Thursdays (4:00-6:00 PM AKST): Dec 12, Jan 16, Jan 30, Feb 20, March 27
Spring 2025 Semester-Online Course activated February 5
- Cohort 1: Weds (4:00-6:00 PM AKST): March 5, April 2, April 16, April 30, May 7
- Cohort 2: Thurs (4:00-6:00 PM AKST): March 6, April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15
Please Click Here to register for any of the cohorts listed above.
We will begin to reach out to applicants regarding their cohort beginning July 15th
Registration will be on a first come, first served basis. When you complete the application process, you will be asked to select a first, second and third choice for a cohort. Once enrolled in a cohort, you may not switch into a different cohort. Educators must register as individuals; however, connect with your school district administrator to find out if your district has planned on taking the course.
Registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Please do not email or call about the status of your registration. We will contact you from online@keystoliteracy.com. Please check your email daily, including your SPAM folder. Please keep an eye on this page for more information.
Questions? Email Keys to Literacy at info@keystoliteracy.com or call us: 978-948-8511.
Overview of Additional Professional Development Offered by Keys to Literacy
In this brief video, Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy, provides an overview of the Keys to Literacy Professional Development offerings. In addition, Joan shares the background on the current partnership with the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to deliver the free Keys to Beginning Reading course that meets the requirements of the Alaska Reads Act. For more information about partnering with Keys to Literacy for additional PD in your district please contact us at: info@keystoliteracy.com.
Please download this brochure for more information about our offerings.