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. Click here to learn more about Alaska Reads.
About the Professional Development Course
Between April, 2023 and June, 2024, 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). The course is organized into five sections — participants complete a 6- to 8-hour section of the online course prior to attending each 2-hour, virtual-live meeting that addresses the content of that part of the course. Participants access the self-paced online course content via readings, videos, quizzes, and reflection activities. They share some of their reflection activities during the virtual-live facilitated meetings.
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 and attend all five virtual-live meetings. In cases of emergency or illness, participants may miss one of the five meetings, but must agree to watch a recording of the session that was missed. This does not apply to conflicts in schedule. Participants must also complete a pre-assessment at the start of the course, and complete and pass a post-assessment at the end of the course. Participants can reference content in the online course as they take the post-assessment, and if they do not pass on the first try, they can take the assessment one more time.
This course is free to Alaska K-6 educators. 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.
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) should complete the course.
- Administrators who work with grades K-6 students and educators can attend this course or an alternative course offered by AK DEED specific to administrators
When will the courses be offered?
Multiple cohorts will be scheduled throughout the coming year. We are offering multiple scheduling options that include shorter and longer time-frames for completing the course in order to meet different scheduling needs and learning styles. 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 when others in your district are planning on taking the course.
Registration for Summer 2024 available below.
Summer 2024 available below. Registrations will be processed on a first come, first serve basis. Please do not email or call about the status of your registration. If we have an available spot for you, 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.
Spring 2024 Semester – CLOSED
- Cohort 1: Wednesdays (4:00-6:00 pm AK time): March 6, March 27, April 10, May 1, May 22
- Cohort 2: Thursdays (4:00-6:00 pm AK time): March 7, March 28, April 11, May 2, May 23
- Cohort 3: Saturdays (8:30-10:30 am AK time): March 9, March 30, April 13, May 4, June 1
Summer 2024 Semester – Click here to register
- Cohort 1: Mondays & Thursdays (8:30-10:30 am AK time): June 10, June 13, June 17, June 20, June 24
- Cohort 2: Saturdays (8:30-10:30 am AK time): May 18, June 1, June 8, June 15, June 22
July 2024 – June 2025 Offerings Coming Soon!
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.