Close the Literacy Gap by Accelerating Literacy Instruction

The most recent NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) results found the largest decline in reading performance in 30 years. The gap that has always existed between top- and low-performing students has grown starkly wider, putting the most at-risk students in an even worse position. The need for effective literacy instruction is more urgent than ever.

Watch this recent webinar with a panel of literacy experts to learn some effective strategies that can help to close the literacy gap through the explicit instruction and integration of key skills.

Topics include:

• Scaffolding literacy instruction to meet the varying needs of today’s learners
• Consolidating and integrating key literacy skills throughout the school day
• Leveraging assessment data to effectively monitor progress and adjust instruction
• How to teach and model literacy skills to help all student populations succeed

Speakers:

Hilary Price, M.Ed.
Professional Learning Literacy Advisor
Learning Without Tears

Hilary Price received her Bachelor of Arts in education as well as her Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University in Chicago. She has been in the education field for 20 years, beginning as a classroom teacher in bilingual Spanish classrooms as well as English-speaking classrooms in neighborhood and charter schools in both Illinois and Colorado. Hilary has been with Learning Without Tears since 2021, first as a national presenter and now as a professional learning literacy advisor.

Sam Deffes, M.Ed.
Professional Learning Literacy Advisor
Learning Without Tears

Sam Deffes has been an educator for over 16 years. She began her career at Smart Pope Livingston Elementary in Duval County and taught grades K-4 where she led the MTSS team. She has also served Duval County as a reading coach and district literacy specialist. Sam is an accomplished professional development facilitator, coach, and content developer. She received her master’s degree from the University of Florida with a focus on curriculum and instruction in reading. She is currently a professional learning literacy advisor for Learning Without Tears.