Park City School District launched K-3 educators into a two-year professional learning focused on the rocket science of teaching and learning to read on October 7, 2022. 

PCSD educators had the opportunity to learn the foundation of a new program called Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS), which is professional learning that provides educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. 

“LETRS training really is the rocket science that will provide our educators the tools to increase reading proficiency for all students, ” said Traci Evans, teaching and learning director. “We have such a high caliber of teachers in PCSD  - they know how much early literacy matters and are willing to do what it takes for students to become skilled readers..”

The program was developed by renowned literacy experts Dr. Louisa Moats, Dr. Carol Tolman, and Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson, it is a flexible literacy professional learning solution for educators and administrators. LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the fundamentals of reading instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language.

“Understanding what goes on in a child’s mind when they are learning to read gives us a road map of what we need to emphasize as teachers,” said Dr. Louisa Moats, who is also the grandmother of a current and future PCSD student. Dr. Moats added that “it is such a pleasure to work with such a well-regarded school district that wants to do even better by its students.” 

Teachers trained in LETRS for Early Childhood Educators will be able to provide literacy interactions that weave cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through intentional, purposeful play, ensure early learners acquire foundational literacy and language skills, and help young students who have not yet learned vital early literacy skills.

Following the passage of an early literacy bill, the Utah State Board of Education is providing funding for all K-3 educators to participate in LETRS training. PCSD K-3 educators will receive a stipend from the district for the successful completion of LETRS training, which includes both large group and individual work through the next two school years. 

“I’ve never seen our Legislature and State Board come together with such targeted support for literacy,” said Evans. “I am so impressed with the professionalism of these teachers and can’t wait to see how LETRS will make a difference in the teaching and learning of reading in Park City.”

A special thank you to our community partner, Park City READS, who donated lunch for every K-3 teachers in attendance during the first module training event. 

For more information about LETRS visit:  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.lexialearning.com/user_area/content_media/raw/LETRSFactSheetFinal.pdf