AIM Steps to Literacy Modules

Launch your journey in the Science of Reading with

AIM’s Steps to Literacy Modules and Bundles

AIM Steps to Literacy modules, which can be taken individually or in course bundles, are fully asynchronous online courses providing detailed introductions to understanding Structured Literacy.

Each module is ideal for PK-12 teachers, subject teachers, paraprofessionals or university education students or professors interested in professional development in small units, as well as parents interested in the acquisition of reading and the evidence-based literacy methods that support reading development.

Take your Steps to Literacy knowledge in:

Overview of the Science of Reading
Phonological Awareness
Decoding & Spelling
Vocabulary
Language Comprehension & Written Expression
Demystifying Dyslexia
Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development

Each module provides teachers with engaging learning opportunities organized in a “learn, practice, apply” introductory cycle, and contains teaching techniques, videos and printable resources from our comprehensive AIM Pathways courses to develop participants’ knowledge and their transfer of new techniques into classroom practice.

Module Cost for Individuals:

$99 - $149 per module

$299 for Steps to Literacy Foundational Skills I

$299 for Steps to Literacy Foundational Skills II

$349 for Early Childhood Education

Take Your Step To Literacy Today

Foundational Skills Modules

Overview of the Science of Reading - 9 Hours

The term “Science of Reading” refers to the research that cognitive scientists, literacy researchers, and expert practitioners have conducted on how individuals learn to read. This body of knowledge has been building for decades and has helped educators understand methods of reading instruction that are aligned to evidence-based practices.

Overview of the Science of Reading

Hours: 9

Cost: $99

Syllabus

Phonological Awareness - 7 Hours

Phonological Awareness

Phonological Awareness is a meta-cognitive skill defined as one’s ability to attend to, discriminate, remember, and manipulate the sound structures of language. Phonological awareness, most specifically phonemic awareness, is an essential skill that underlies a student’s ability to learn to read and spell.

Hours: 7

Cost: $99

Click Here for the Syllabus

Decoding & Spelling - 7 Hours

Decoding & Spelling

Module 3

Phonics and spelling instruction are essential components of any comprehensive literacy program. Teaching students to decode and encode requires not only a systematic scope and sequence but also explicit instructional practices that engage students and provide multiple opportunities to practice tasks until students can complete them at a high criterion level of performance.

Hours: 7

Cost: $99

Click Here for the Syllabus

Vocabulary - 4 Hours

Vocabulary

Module 4

Researchers generally agree that a four-part approach to vocabulary instruction is most effective in developing the depth, breadth, and fluency necessary for making meaning of the language in the text when reading and expressing precise meaning when writing. Uncover a variety of direct and indirect word learning experiences that can be applied to any curriculum or program to bolster word knowledge.

Hours: 4

Cost: $99

Click Here for the Syllabus

Language Comprehension & Written Expression - 11 Hours

Language Comprehension & Written Expression

Module 5

Language comprehension is complex, and a breakdown in the knowledge and skills for language comprehension will compromise a reader's ability to construct a mental model when reading or to express ideas when writing effectively. Prepare to integrate reading and writing instruction through evidence-based practices that can be applied to any curriculum or program.

Hours: 11

Cost: $129

Click Here for the Syllabus

Demystifying Dyslexia - 3 Hours

Demystifying Dyslexia

Module 6

In-depth learning about dyslexia, a common learning disability that affects 5-20% of the population. The curated content, includes a simulated dyslexia experience and printable classroom tools, explains the origin of dyslexia, the key characteristics of the disability, and the necessary elements to support these individuals through interactive and multi-media learning experiences.

Hours: 3

Cost: $99

Click Here for the Syllabus

Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development - 4 Hours

Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development (4 Hours) - $149

This AIM Pathways module dives into the research legacy of Dr. Linnea Ehri’s Phases of Word Reading Development. The content of this module explains the developmental progression of foundational literacy skills, key milestones and behaviors within each phase, and the instructional focus that moves learners forward to the next phase of word reading and spelling. Click Here for Syllabus.

Specialized Reading Knowledge: African American English

Literacy Learning Bundles

Steps to Literacy I - 23 Hours

Steps to Literacy II - 24 Hours

Early Childhood Education - 20 Hours

Early Childhood Education Bundle (20 Hours) - $349

The Early Childhood Education bundle, which includes a Credentials Unlimited micro-credential opportunity, provides instruction, resources and tools in three of AIM's asynchronous learning modules including our new Growing Proficient Readers course.

Overview of the Science of Reading - Contains content specific to the “science of reading.” 9 Hours
Growing Proficient Readers: Dr. Ehri's Phases of Development - Features reading researcher Dr. Linnea Ehri narrating the observable reading characteristics of learners from emerging readers in the pre-alphabetic phase through proficient readers in the consolidated phase. A deck of vibrant, printed AIM Animated Alphabet Cards, including instructional scripts to use with each card, is included with this course. 4 Hours
Phonological Awareness - A highly specialized module exploring the research and instructional practices related to Phonological Awareness, the first of five core components of reading instruction as identified by the National Reading Panel. 7 Hours

Specialized Reading Knowledge - English Learners - 10 Hours

Specialized Reading Knowledge: English Learners without VCoPs (10 Hours) - $199

Fully asynchronous 3-module English Learners bundle available on-demand and can be completed at your own pace.

Develop the specialized knowledge required to accelerate language and literacy proficiency for English Learners in any program model with immediate instructional applications with AIM's newest course created in collaboration with literacy researcher Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan.

Each module in the Specialized Reading Knowledge Bundle: English Learners includes asynchronous online course instruction with exclusive content recorded by Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan, and a wealth of assessment resources, implementation tools, and printables to support immediate use in the classroom.

Modules include:

Introduction to English Learners: Language & Literacy Development
Word Recognition Among English Learners
Language Comprehension Among English Learners

Please Note: AIM creates Specialized Reading Knowledge courses for individuals who already possess a strong foundational knowledge in Science of Reading and Structured Literacy, and are interested in expanding their instructional skills and knowledge. Prior comprehensive structured literacy training (such as Pathways to Proficient Reading) is strongly recommended before enrolling in these specialized learning opportunities.

Choose Your Pathway Today

Certificate of Completion With Hours Available for CEUs Provided for Each Module.

Foundational Skills and the Early Childhood Education bundle include Credentials Unlimited micro-credential opportunities.

Courses are completed asynchronously online and take approximately 3-11 hours each to complete.

If you are interested in AIM Steps to Literacy Modules or bundles for a large group of participants (26 or more) or for a school or district, start a conversation with consulting@aimpa.org to learn about options to tailor programming to meet your needs.

Interested in IDA-Accredited Literacy Training with AIM Expert Support?

AIM Pathways courses put diagnostic and prescriptive tools at your fingertips with on-demand, mobile-friendly access. It provides unique research-driven, IDA-accredited courses that can transform instructional practice with the opportunity to receive 3 graduate credits from Arcadia University.

Who uses AIM Pathways?

Classroom Teachers K-12
Learning Specialists
Special Educators
Administrators
University Education Programs
State Departments of Education

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What are Micro-credentials?

In order to provide individuals with multiple opportunities to develop mastery in the science of reading, AIM is partnering with Credentials Unlimited to offer an extra level of certification to individuals exploring our Steps to Literacy modules instruction.

Learn more about micro-credential opportunities with Steps to Literacy courses here.