A teacher sitting at a semi-circle shaped table with two young students writing on paper

Seal of Literacy Courses

Foundations of the Science of Reading: Understanding and Applying Structured Literacy Principles I and II (3 credit hours per course)—a partnership with the Kansas Board of Regents--provides educators with a deep understanding of the science of reading and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of structured literacy in the classroom.

Emphasizing evidence-based practices, the course highlights strategies for supporting students with dyslexia, English language learners (ELLs), and students with exceptionalities. Knowledge and application is supported through personalized coaching throughout the course. The course is aligned with Standards 5, 6, and 7 of the Kansas Elementary Education (PK-6) Educator Preparation Program Standards and the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading.   

What Can Educators Expect:

Expectations

Asynchronous and Synchronous Instruction

Asynchronous online modules with a pacing guiding and some synchronous instruction via Zoom sessions from a university literacy expert

Literacy Coaching

Virtual literacy coaching (group and/or individual)

Structured Literacy Principles 

Opportunities to apply what you are learning to demonstrate application of structured literacy principles (e.g., assessing a student, teaching a students, small group or whole-class, peer observations).

Tuition

Tuition covered by The Kansas Blueprint for Literacy 

more expectations

Stipend

$500 Stipend*

Seal of Literacy

Earn KSDE Seal of Literacy
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Credit hours

Earn six credit hours for completion of the work*

*subject to successful completion of coursework and an 85% or higher on the course summative assessment and key performance assessments for each module

Who is This Professional Development For? 

This training is for PK-8 educators looking to deepen their understanding and application of Structured Literacy. Educators who do not yet have the Seal of Literacy on their license can use this pathway as a qualifying option to earn it. Educators that have successfully completed, or are enrolled in, LETRS, AIMS Pathways, or Keys to Literacy should not enroll in this professional development opportunity.

The applicant's actual degree conferral transcript (not an unofficial web-based document such as our advising report) will be required with the application.

Eligibility

  1. To be eligible for the scholarship (tuition) and stipend, you must be a licensed PreK – 6 general education, special education, or ESOL teacher, a licensed early childhood educator, or a reading specialist. You must also be teaching in a school in Kansas.
  2. To be eligible for the scholarship (tuition) and stipend, you will need to affirm that you have not successfully completed LETRS. If you enrolled in LETRS and did not pass, you are allowed to enroll and are eligible for the scholarship (tuition) and stipend.
  3. To be eligible for the scholarship (tuition) and stipend, you must enroll in and complete both courses, C&T 746 and C&T 747. If you withdrawal from either courses or do not enroll int the 2nd course to complete the requirements for the Seal of Literacy, will need to repay the scholarship ($900 tuition/course) is to the Kansas Board of Regent (KBOR) Finance.
  4. During the two courses, you will be expected to complete some assignments that require you to assess and teach students (PreK – 6), as well as coaching. For a summer course: you will benefit most if you are teaching or have access to students in summer school, such as a small group of students that you can teach (e.g. ~ twice a week for ~ 30 minutes/sessions). If that is not possible, you will need to identify a PreK – 6 student, who you may assess and tutor.  Ideally, you will tutor twice a week for ~ 6 week. The length of time will vary (20 – 40 minutes/session) based on the age of the student. During the school year, you will be able to work with your own PreK – 6 students.

Required Courses

courses

C&T 746: Curriculum and Teaching – Foundations in the Science of Reading: Literacy Principles I ( 3 )
This course provides educators with a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of structured literacy in the classroom. Specifically, this course focuses on “word recognition” of Scarborough’s Reading Rope (e.g., model/theories, assessments, oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency) and emphasizes evidence-based practices, the course highlights strategies for supporting students with dyslexia, English language learners (ELLs), and students with exceptionalities. The course is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (which align with Standards 5, 6, and 7 of the Kansas Elementary Education (PK-6) Educator Preparation Program Standards).

C&T 747: Curriculum and Teaching – Foundations in the Science of Reading: Literacy Principles II ( 3 )
This course provides educators with a deep understanding of the Science of Reading and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to apply the principles of structured literacy in the classroom. Specifically, this course focuses on “language comprehension” of Scarborough’s Reading Rope (e.g., vocabulary, morphology, comprehension, syntax, texture structure, writing) and emphasizes evidence-based practices, the course highlights strategies for supporting students with dyslexia, English language learners (ELLs), and students with exceptionalities. The course is aligned with the International Dyslexia Association's (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (which align with Standards 5, 6, and 7 of the Kansas Elementary Education (PK-6) Educator Preparation Program Standards). Prerequisite: C&T 746.

Course Completion

Upon successful completion of the two 3-credit courses:

  • KU will submit the necessary documents to KBOR so that you may receive the stipend ($500) and so that the Seal of Literacy may be added to your PreK – 6 license.

During the first week of C&T 746, you will submit:

  • A letter from your school district (e.g., personnel or principal) verifying your employment and that you hold a license to teach at the PreK – 6 grade level. KBOR requires this information to confirm your eligibility (licensed and teaching position) to receive the scholarship and stipend.
  • An affirmation that you have not enrolled in or completed LETRS.

During the second course C&T 747, you will submit the following documents need to receive the stipend:

  • A completed W9 Form
  • A completed Direct Deposit Form 
  • A voided blank check matching the information in the Direct Deposit Form

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