7/5/2023

Lexia’s top 7 resources for adolescent literacy learning and instruction

When students struggle to make the transition to reading to learn, it can have serious consequences—including the likelihood of graduating from high school.

Think about it: 85% of public-school curriculum is delivered via reading text. Students must read well to perform well.

That’s why, for both students and educators, it’s beneficial to integrate literacy best practices across the curriculum beyond early elementary grades—when students are making that “reading to learn” shift.

You may have heard of our recent event, Science of Reading Week, which featured conversations with educational leaders from across the country to discuss strategies to incorporate evidence-based reading instruction into curriculum. More than 17,000 educators tuned in.

Watch Science of Reading Week sessions on-demand

Attendees asked dozens of questions about adolescent literacy learning and how to approach professional development for teachers of older students who often don’t get the training they need to teach literacy well.

If you’re asking those questions too, we can help! Check out this collection of resources designed to support school and district leaders in addressing the diverse literacy needs of adolescent students.

1. Five Reasons to Include Literacy Education in Middle School Teachers' Professional Learning: This blog post highlights why K–12 leaders should find time to provide teachers of adolescent students with actionable, high-quality professional learning around literacy instruction and the science of reading.


2. Supporting the Diverse Needs of Adolescent Readers (White Paper): This comprehensive white paper explores research-based strategies and practical recommendations to help educators foster reading proficiency and engagement among adolescents.


3. How a New Approach to Professional Learning Can Help Accelerate Learning for Adolescent Learners (White Paper): This white paper presents a fresh approach to professional learning for adolescent learners, emphasizing professional learning with evidence-based strategies and tools to empower upper-grade teachers to make a significant impact on reading proficiency. Plus, the paper outlines the benefits of using data-driven instruction and how it can accelerate learning outcomes.


4. How Professional Learning About the Science of Reading Can Support Adolescent Students (Webinar): In this free webinar, Meg Van Voorhis, director of professional learning at Lexia delves into the science of reading and its impact on adolescent students. She answers questions about implementing effective literacy instruction in the classroom, provides recommendations for resources designed to support adolescent learners, and discusses best practices to help teachers and students succeed.


5. Navigating Adolescent Literacy: A Thought Partnership Web Conversation (Webinar): In another thought-provoking free webinar, Lexia brings together a panel of educational leaders from North Carolina to address the challenge of empowering educators with the knowledge to adapt literacy instruction for adolescents in the post-pandemic landscape. They explore practical strategies, collaborative approaches, and innovative solutions to navigate the complexities of teaching literacy to adolescents.


6. How Lexia Aspire Fills the Need for Professional Learning in Reading Instruction Among Teachers of Adolescent Students (Guide): Educational leaders can use this guide to understand more about Lexia Aspire™ Professional Learning, a program that addresses the specific needs of teachers instructing students in grades 4-8. It outlines how the program delivers professional learning in short, flexible chunks, where teachers can learn at their own pace and convenience.


7. Aspire Product Overview (Guide): This hands-on guide provides a comprehensive overview of Lexia Aspire Professional Learning, detailing its core components, such as self-paced modules, coaching support, and resources. It shows how Aspire can support teachers in developing their expertise in reading instruction and improving adolescent literacy outcomes, based on the principles of the science of reading and Lexia’s expertise in literacy for K–12.

By leveraging these resources, we hope you expand your approach toward teaching reading in grades 4-8 and gain insight into effective instructional practices and literacy professional learning. We know that without knowing and addressing the “why,” educators cannot improve the proficiency of adolescent readers. We’re here with tools and strategies necessary to promote literacy development and empower your older students for academic success.