Reading Interventions for Middle School Students
(Grades 6-8) / Flex Course
PDI Course Number: 25T02 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC41433
Course Description
Do you have readers in your class that are reading far below grade level? This online course for teachers is designed for educators who work with readers in grades 6-8 who are one to four years behind the appropriate reading level. The course materials are based on current best-practices research on helping students with reading difficulties. Topics addressed in the course include assessment and diagnosis of reading difficulties, differentiation strategies, fluency skills, vocabulary development, and cognitive reading strategies. Key comprehension strategies such as how to summarize and infer are presented along with fix-it strategies students can use when they begin to struggle. Specific vocabulary topics presented include the three tiers of words, self-collection, using context clues, and the importance of direct instruction. Teachers will also learn how to develop individual reading profiles and reading plans based on assessment data. Finally, teachers will learn how to best select appropriate reading materials for those who struggle. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will know how to help students become better readers with improved comprehension skills. This online professional development course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units/5 quarter units (50 hours of training) from University of California San Diego (UCSD) Division of Extended Studies. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI professional development course, visit our credit page.
Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.
"Of all the reading courses I've taken, this one completely surpassed my expectations. I learned teaching strategies that I could use right away. I can definitely say that I have learned very valuable information to assist me in helping struggling readers in the middle grades." - Jan Slusher
This course is worth 3 ⅓ semester units or 5 quarter units of graduate-level credit from UCSD.
You have up to one year from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.
View the online course syllabus.
Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
UCSD Course Number: EDUC41433
Unit One
- Introduction to Reading Data Collection
- Commonly Used Assessments: Part One
- Commonly Used Assessments: Part Two
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- Using Assessment to Drive Instruction
- Individual Reading Profiles
- Zone of Proximal Development and Leveled Reading
- Individual Reading Plans
- Reading Groups
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Fluency Fundamentals
- Fluency Teaching Strategies
- Assignment #3: Share your expertise
- Test #3
Unit Four
- Reading Comprehension and Cognitive Strategies
- Strategies to Teach Summarizing
- Strategies to Teach Inferring
- Strategies to Help Readers Make Connections
- Fix-It Strategies
- Test #4
Unit Five
- Teaching Vocabulary
- Three Tiers of Words
- Direct Vocabulary Instruction
- Using Context Clues
- Vocabulary Self-Correction
- Test #5
Unit Six
- Voice and Choice in Reading
- Using Hi/Lo Materials
- Using Non-Fiction Books
- Assignment #4: Develop an individual reading profile
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
View PDI's Catalog of Courses
Check out a list of all PDI graduate-level online courses or sort by grade level or subject area.
Register Now!
Quick access to register for PDI's online courses using our secure system.
Learn More about PDI
Find out how to reach PDI and get answers to any questions you may have.
Access My Course
Access PDI's online learning management system to begin your course.