Certification Courses

The track to full certification

PF210 - Phonics First™ Foundations Level I (30 hours)

For Teachers of General Education K-3 & Special Education K-5

This comprehensive and highly intensive course provides teachers with the necessary strategies and tools to deliver high-quality Phonics First™ lessons. Course content includes: alphabet and phonemic awareness strategies, the three-part drill for structured review, tactile/kinesthetic spelling techniques for phonetic and non-phonetic words, syllabication for multisyllabic words and guidance for lesson plans and classroom implementation. Participants have opportunities for hands-on lesson practice with other participants. Materials included.

PF300 - Foundations Level II (24 hours)

For Teachers of Special Education 3-12

This course emphasizes the advanced concepts of decoding and encoding through Greek and Latin roots and affixes, multisensory comprehension, and written expression techniques. This class also provides extensive review and refinement of Level I multisensory teaching skills. Level II course content is necessary for teachers working with special education students grades 4-12 and adults. Materials included.

Prerequisite: PF210 must have been completed at least three months prior to enrolling in PF300. Prior Phonics First™ teaching experience is strongly recommended. Materials included.

PF350 - Phonics First™ Structures for Reading and Spelling (24 hours)

For Special Education Teachers Grades 6-12 who have not received any prior Phonics FirstTM training.

Structures for Reading and Spelling was developed for struggling middle and high school readers. Structures integrates the instruction of sophisticated word study through Greek and Latin roots and affixes with the basic phonics, decoding and encoding concepts needed for Anglo-Saxon word reading. Unlike other programs, Structures interweaves highly-engaging word study components throughout the basic skills development instruction, engaging students with interest and motivation to learn. By blending the instruction of basic reading skills with advanced word study, students develop accurate decoding skills, expand vocabulary, enhance spelling and improve comprehension. Structures provides easy-to-follow lesson plans, which are flexible for use in a variety of settings.

Phonics First™ Certification

The certification process is completed with this independent 60-hour teaching practicum. Participants receive guidance and feedback on designated lessons from an RLAC Master Trainer. RLAC trainers observe five lessons in person or via videotape. Candidates must apply to be accepted into this class.

Prerequisite: PF300

Train the Trainer

In addition to the convenience of bringing Phonics First™ to your site, we also offer a "Train the Trainer" model to give teachers the long-term support, expertise, and ongoing professional development endorsed by the National Staff Development Council (NSDC) and the No Child Left Behind Act. An on-site trainer will help facilitate the coordination, implementation, and streamlining of your school/district's literacy objectives by providing ongoing, continuous coaching and mentoring for your staff.

Take significant steps toward sustainable literacy goals for your school/district by selecting staff members to become certified Phonics First™ trainers. Call 800-READ-211 for more information.

Workshops

All workshops are only $100!

Phonemic Awareness (3 hours) Teachers Pre-K to 1

Learn fun age- and skill- appropriate multisensory activities to engage young children to hear sounds and patterns in words. Research demonstrates a direct correlation between a child developing strong phonemic awareness skills and becoming a highly successful reader. Understand the progressing levels of phonemic awareness instruction that research has shown are so critical in developing successful readers. A teacher’s depth-of-knowledge when teaching these essential reading-readiness skills is of critical importance.

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Phonics First™ Make and Take (3 hours) Teachers K-5

Haven’t had time to make games and activities for use with Phonics First™ Foundations lessons? This class will give you lots of ideas and an opportunity to make a number of activities for immediate use with your students.

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Handwriting Workshop (3 hours)Teachers K-5

Participants will learn effective strategies for helping students improve their handwriting skills. Topics include: the importance of good handwriting; different styles of handwriting; pre-writing skills; and strategies for teaching print and cursive. Exercises and games designed to improve handwriting will be incorporated throughout the workshop.

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Customized Trainings

RLAC travels nationwide and customizes trainings to meet all of your needs. A ten participant minimum is required to conduct training.