Keys to Literacy Newsletter

August, 2025

Phonics & Advanced Word Study: What's the Difference?

Phonics and advanced word study (sometimes referred to as advanced phonics) are both essential components of reading instruction, focusing on enhancing students' understanding of word structures, improving decoding skills, and strengthening spelling abilities. Both types of instruction focus on how words can be broken down into parts, which can then be combined to read and spell. However, they differ in terms of focus, complexity, and the stage of development at which they are typically taught. Click here to read the post.

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

Helpful article in the Harvard Gazette underscores the need for early intervention: Reading Skills – and Struggles – Manifest Earlier Than Thought. Click here to read.

Reading Universe continues to add free, new resources for teaching literacy. Click here to access the site. Click here to access the writing section, including multiple resources developed by Keys to Literacy.

The podcast Literacy Matters: Empowered Conversations has recently published a two-part interview with Keys to Literacy founder Joan Sedita. Click here for Part 1 Utilizing the Writing Rope on the Journey to Proficiency, and click here for Part 2 From Play-Doh to Paragraphs: Strategies for Writing in K-6.

NEWS AT KEYS

Continuing Our Partnership with the State of Indiana

Keys to Literacy is proud to continue partnering with the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to provide no-cost professional development for the Early Literacy Endorsement. This opportunity is available to eligible Indiana educators who hold a valid professional educator license and teach PK–5 literacy. Registration opens August 1, 2025, and space is limited. Click here to learn more.

New for Maine Educators: Earn Microcredentials with Keys to Literacy

Maine educators can now earn stackable, verified microcredentials by completing Keys to Literacy professional development in comprehension, vocabulary, writing, or foundational reading skills. Our courses align with Maine DOE literacy competencies, offering flexible online or in-person options that support your professional growth and strengthen literacy instruction. Click here to learn more.

WRITE NOW CONFERENCE

Statewide Panel to Spotlight K–12 Writing at Write Now 2025

At Write Now 2025, don’t miss Unlocking Writing: The Keys to a Statewide K–12 Writing Movement, a panel featuring literacy leaders from Indiana, Georgia, and Louisiana. Moderated by Keys to Literacy Vice President Lisa Klein, the discussion will examine the state of writing instruction, national and state trends, and strategies for elevating writing alongside reading. Learn how states are partnering with Keys to Literacy to strengthen teacher knowledge, expand professional learning, and implement scalable, research-based practices. Click here to register.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Instructional Leadership Retreat in Colorado

Our Instructional Leadership team recently gathered in Colorado for an in-person summit. The summit covered a wide range of leadership and literacy topics, ensuring our consultants are well-equipped to support districts nationwide. Fireside conversations, shared meals, and plenty of laughter rounded out the experience, leaving us energized, connected, and ready for the year ahead. Click here to learn more about our Instructional Leadership team.

CERTIFIED FACILITATOR MODEL

Rockville Centre Rocks Keys Strategies!

Over the past three years Facilitator Patricia Broderick has supported 70+ educators in Keys to Beginning Reading and Keys to Comprehension. “The practical, enriching routines have created horizontal and vertical alignment across our district,” she shares.

From Pre-K learners categorizing information to K–5 students using topic webs, two-column notes, and summary writing, these strategies are now a common language for learning. Starting with administrators and specialists ensured early integration, and today, explicit instruction in text structure, critical thinking, and comprehension is consistent districtwide. Way to go, Rockville Centre!

HIGHER EDUCATION PARTNERSHIPS

Just Launched: IU Online M.S.Ed. in the Science of Reading, in partnership with Keys to Literacy

Keys to Literacy is proud to partner with Indiana University Online to bring educators a new Master of Science in Education in the Science of Reading. This fully online degree supports teachers, coaches, and leaders looking to build deep expertise in evidence-based literacy practices.

The program includes stackable credentials such as the Early Literacy Endorsement, Dyslexia Certificate, and Literacy Coaching Credential—with flexible completion in one or two years. Classes begin Fall 2025.

Learn More

EVENTS

Virtual Live Sessions

These live trainings are delivered by Keys trainers.

Join others in engaging and collaborative training sessions!

Key Comprehension Routine: Grades 4-12

September 30 - October 1 $325 Register Here

Key to Early Writing

October 7 - October 8 $325 Register Here

Key to Adolescent Literacy

October 8 $175 Register Here

Adolescent Reading Intervention

October 9 $175 Register Here

Understanding Dyslexia

October 14 $175 Register Here

Advanced Word Study

October 15 $175 Register Here

Leading Research-based Writing Instruction with The Writing Rope

October 16 $225 Register Here

Keys to Content Writing, Grades 3-12

October 21 - October 22 $325 Register Here

The Key Vocabulary Routine

October 28 - October 29 $325 Register Here

Certified Facilitator Training

Advanced training for building or district-level educators to become facilitators for Keys to Literacy Training Programs:

Keys to Content Writing, Certified Facilitator Training For California County Offices (Live Virtual Training)

August 25 - September 22 $750 Register Here

Keys to Beginning Reading, Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

September 11 - September 25 $1,050 Register Here

Keys to Early Writing, Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

September 16 - September 17 $775 Register Here

Keys to Content Writing, Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

September 23 - September 24 $775 Register Here

Key Vocabulary Routine Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

October 1 - October 2 $775 Register Here

Keys to Beginning Reading, Higher Education Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

October 3 - November 7 $1,050 Register Here

Key Comprehension Routine Certified Facilitator Training (Live Virtual Training)

October 21 - October 22 $775 Register Here

Learn From Us!

Keys to Literacy staff members will present at the following events:

Additional Resources

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Free resources

Let's Be Social!

Phonics & Advanced Word Study: What's the Difference?

Rockville Centre Rocks Keys Strategies!

Learn From Us!

2025 GACIS Fall Conference

Arizona Writing Standards Symposium

2025 Turning the Tide in Reading Instruction

The 9th Annual Conference of the Reading League

The Reading League Maine

Write Now 2025