The science of reading is not just a primary-grade concern—and many upper-grade students are still struggling with the demands of complex texts. In this session, we’ll explore what the science of reading means for grades 4–12. We’ll build a clearer understanding of how skilled reading develops over time and what factors most often interfere with comprehension in later grades. We’ll connect this research to practical, classroom-ready strategies that support students in navigating complex academic texts—through vocabulary development, sentence-level understanding, knowledge building, comprehension, and disciplinary writing across content areas. Whether you teach upper elementary or secondary, you’ll leave with research-informed strategies you can use immediately, along with a clearer picture of how your instruction supports students in becoming proficient readers of increasingly complex texts.

lindsey.ellis@ckec.org