The Science of Reading: Foundations

Reading struggles hold students back when instruction isn't evidence-based.

Three weeks, one module a week. Start any Monday.
Personalized feedback on every submission.
University-backed. Real academic credit from Gracelyn.

What you’ll walk away with

Apply the science of reading and reading theories in your own teaching
Deliver reading instruction with your own students using research-backed methods
Use classroom assessments to strengthen your daily instruction
Explain the components and developmental progression of oral language, concepts of print, alphabetic principle, phonological awareness
Reflect on and strengthen your own practice using evidence-based methods, grounded in students, explain, components, developmental, progression, language.

How it works

1
Start Module 1 at your pace
2
Submit your work and get personalized feedback
3
Complete all modules and earn your credential

What’s inside

Module 1: The Science of Reading and Reading Theories 6 activities

First Attempt: The Science of Reading and Reading Theories Challenge
Reading Processes: Explain and Apply
What is the Science of Reading? Let's Discuss
Discussion Forum: Reading Theories
Interleaved Practice: Choosing Within The Science of Reading and Reading Theories
Draw It, Then Explain It: Mapping The Science of Reading and Reading Theories

Module 2: Delivering Reading Instruction 5 activities

First Attempt: Delivering Reading Instruction
Learning Activity: Create a Lesson Plan
Writing Assignment: Lesson Plan
Discussion Forum: What is Direct, Systematic and Explicit Instruction?
Interleaved Practice: Choosing Within Delivering Reading Instruction

Module 3: Classroom Assessments 7 activities

First Attempt: Classroom Assessments
Learning Activity: Effective Assessments
Assessment: Explain and Apply
Writing Assignment: Creating and Using Assessments
Discussion Forum: Types of Assessments
Interleaved Practice: Choosing Within Classroom Assessments
Cumulative Integration: Bring It All Together

Who this is for

This credential is designed for:

All educators

The feedback on my work was specific and encouraging. I finished feeling like I actually knew what to do differently on Monday.

Renee A.

Educator

Questions, answered

What is the Science of Reading and why does it matter for teachers?

The Science of Reading is a body of research explaining how the brain learns to read, covering areas like phonological awareness, the alphabetic principle, and oral language development. Gracelyn Center for Excellence's Science of Reading: Foundations course translates this research into practical classroom and homeschool strategies. Teachers who apply these findings can identify reading gaps earlier and deliver more effective, targeted instruction.

Is the Science of Reading course suitable for homeschool parents?

Yes, Gracelyn Center for Excellence designed the Science of Reading: Foundations course for both homeschool parents and K-12 teachers. The course focuses on hands-on application, so homeschool parents learn by doing and receive specific feedback on activities used with their own students. This makes the content immediately usable in a home learning environment, not just a traditional classroom.

What topics are covered in a Science of Reading foundations course?

Gracelyn Center for Excellence's Foundations course covers oral language, concepts of print, the alphabetic principle, and phonological awareness, along with their developmental progression. Learners also practice using classroom assessments to strengthen daily instruction. Each component is tied directly to research-backed teaching methods for practical application.

How do I apply the Science of Reading in my classroom or homeschool?

Gracelyn Center for Excellence's course emphasizes learning by doing, so participants apply reading theories directly with their own students during the course. Educators practice delivering research-backed instruction and receive supportive, specific feedback on each activity. This applied approach helps ensure the strategies transfer effectively into real teaching settings.

What is phonological awareness and how is it taught?

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate the sounds in spoken language, a foundational skill for reading development. Gracelyn Center for Excellence's Science of Reading: Foundations course explains its developmental progression and provides practical activities for teaching it at the appropriate stage. Educators learn to sequence instruction from larger sound units, like syllables, down to individual phonemes.

How can I use assessments to improve my reading instruction?

Gracelyn Center for Excellence's course teaches educators to use classroom assessments diagnostically, not just for grading, so instruction can be adjusted in real time. Participants learn to identify specific gaps in oral language, phonological awareness, or print concepts based on assessment data. This evidence-based feedback loop helps strengthen daily instruction and student outcomes.

Do I need prior teaching experience to take this Science of Reading course?

No prior specialized training is required; Gracelyn Center for Excellence built the Science of Reading: Foundations course for both experienced K-12 teachers and homeschool parents with varying backgrounds. The course starts with foundational reading theory and progresses to applied practice with your own students. This structure supports learners at different starting points in their reading instruction knowledge.

Micro Credential · EDUC 2201-B