About the Center
With the establishment of the new Science of Reading Center of Excellence, SUNY New Paltz and our School of Education are embracing an opportunity to advance literacy outcomes for children across our state and throughout the U.S.
We’re working directly with teachers, district leaders and other key partners to help ensure that literacy educators at all levels from P-12 understand and can deploy the research-backed tools and knowledge that are proven to help learns gain skills as readers.
The Center houses our Science of Reading Fundamentals Microcredential, designed for education professionals working in classrooms right now, as well as the Ibis Group Endowed Professor of the Science of Reading, the second endowed professorship in SUNY New Paltz history. Applications for that position are now being accepted.
The School of Education at SUNY New Paltz, founded in 1828, has prepared thousands of graduates for success as teachers across nearly two centuries. Our unique history connects our work through past, present and future, as we help our students embrace new knowledge and pedagogical methods while remaining true to our roots supporting public education in New York State.
Center of Excellence Webinars
The Role of Executive Functioning in Reading Instruction
Monday, July 15, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Executive functions are a key predictor of academic achievement and success. Executive functions skills can independently predict reading proficiency, above and beyond students' decoding and language abilities. In this lecture we will define the components of executive functioning, how they interact with various aspects of reading instruction, and provide instructional strategies, informed by neuroscience, that teachers can use to differentiate their reading instruction. In addition, we will suggest that effective reading instruction should not be confined to the parameters outlined by the Reading Panel (2000), but also include an understanding of how executive functions contribute to reading mastery.
Past Presentations
Teaching Reading to Students who are Learning English as a New Language
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
7 p.m.
Many factors must be considered when teaching students who are learning English as a new language. This webinar explores how factors such as age, literacy skills in the L1 or lack thereof, and lack of cultural contextual knowledge can act as barriers to those learning to read in English. Evidence-based differentiated reading activities that can help students learn to read will be discussed.
How Do I Teach an Effective Phonics Lesson?
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023 at 7 p.m.
During this session, participants will learn about reading research specifically focused on phonics instruction. The presenter will model the essential elements of a phonics lesson as it progresses from a specific speech sound to a letter pattern, to word reading, to spelling, to the reading of connected text that applies the newly learned pattern. Participants will be given opportunities to learn about the nuances of this lesson progression and how to foster automaticity in word reading with students. An assessment tool will be shared and information on pinpointing small group instruction to focus on student learning needs will be discussed. There will be opportunities for participants to ask questions.
Understanding Dyslexia: Unraveling the Myths and Empowering Success
Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 at 7 p.m.
This webinar will dive into the world of dyslexia, a common learning difficulty that affects approximately 20% of the population. The webinar will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of dyslexia, debunk common myths and misconceptions surrounding it, and explore effective assessments and instructional practices to support individuals with dyslexia.
