LETRS is a professional development program designed to help educators understand scientifically-based reading research, the structure of the English language, and explicit teaching methodologies for language, reading, spelling, and writing instruction. It is to be used as one part of a comprehensive professional development approach, including the selection and implementation of validated approaches and programs of instruction.

To fully understand and benefit from the instructional depth of the LETRS program, attending LETRS training is critical. LETRS trainings are intended for all educators, administrators, reading coaches, and educational consultants. Every LETRS training offers the in-depth discussion and learning necessary to make reading instruction better at every grade level, regardless of the core reading curriculum in use.

In order for everyone committed to improving literacy to access LETRS, there a number of opportunities for training: Open-tuition Institutes, Privately Contracted Institutes, LETRS Online, Certification for Regional/District Trainers, and LETRS Affiliate Sites.

Open-tuition Institutes

Open-tuition Institutes are offered on a per-person tuition bases and are a great opportunity for smaller groups and individuals to receive LETRS training. The Institutes are presented by National LETRS Trainers and provide a forum for exchange of ideas and challenges from districts across the country while deepening the foundational knowledge of each participant. Dates are scheduled throughout the year.

2010 training schedule and registration form
Our Trainers

Privately Contracted Institutes

Cambium Learning Sopris West contracts with agencies, districts, and states to provide private LETRS Institutes. Presented by National LETRS Trainers, these Institutes allow the contracting organization to plan training around their professional development and literacy initiative goals and schedule. Cambium Learning Sopris West works with each organization to ensure the scope of training meets the needs and goals set forth.

Please contact the LETRS Program Coordinator for more information on bringing LETRS to your district.

LETRS Online

Foundations of Reading Instruction offers educators the opportunity to access approximately 18 hours of instruction online. This course includes video lectures by Dr. Louisa Moats and National LETRS Trainer Dr. Deborah Glaser, online exercises and activities, and links to recommended resources, relevant research, and online text from LETRS Foundations.

Specific topics include oral language, vocabulary, comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, assessment, progress monitoring, and effective teaching recipes.

More information about Foundations of Reading Instruction

Certification for Regional/District Trainers

For staff developers and reading coaches who want to provide high-quality professional development for their district staff, Cambium Learning Sopris West has established a rigorous process to certify regional/district LETRS trainers, and is the only source for certification and Advanced training.

Cambium Learning Sopris West encourages the use of LETRS in professional development settings, as long as training is provided by certified individuals who have attained a high level of knowledge and skill. Sopris also seeks to ensure that LETRS dissemination will be carried out with integrity and fidelity to the design of the LETRS program. We will certify and support those who respect the content, pedagogy, and goals for teacher learning and who meet the standards delineated by our certification process. Sopris West will maintain on its LETRS website a listing of certified trainers. Please contact the LETRS Program Coordinator for more information on the certification process.

Certified regional/district LETRS Trainers list

LETRS Affiliate Sites

LETRS is now partnering with a select group of professional development organizations. These LETRS affiliate sites will offer certified LETRS training in their regional areas, adhering to strict standards and guidelines for delivery of content. These organizations are able to partner with districts to provide ongoing professional development support and modeling. Many affiliates offer training opportunities throughout the year. Please check the affiliate site training calendar for more information.

Affiliate site calendar (Word doc)

Cambium Learning Sopris West will remain the only source for Advanced training in the LETRS program. For those looking to complete the certification process, attendance at training provided by Cambium Learning Sopris West and National LETRS trainers will continue to be required.

Affiliate Sites
California State University, Center Diagnosis and Instruction, Seaside, CA readingcenter.csumb.edu
Center for Development & Learning, Covington, LA www.cdl.org
Chesapeake Bay Academy, Virginia Beach, VA www.chesapeakebayacademy.org
The Dyslexia Center, Colorado Springs, CO thedyslexiacenter.com
The Institute for Literacy and Learning, Whitehall, PA www.theinstituteforliteracyandlearning.org
Mayerson Academy, Cincinnati, OH www.mayersonacademy.org
The Newgrange School, Princeton, NJ www.thenewgrange.org
Reading ASSIST Institute, Wilmington, DE www.readingassist.org
The Reading Institute, Williamstown, MA thereadinginstitute.net
Rowland Reading Foundation, Madison, WI rowlandreading.org
University of Utah Reading Clinic, Murray, UT www.uurc.utah.edu