Upcoming Opportunities
|
Frequently Asked Questions
|
Request Professional Learning
Upcoming Literacy Squared* Professional Learning Opportunities
Core Principles of Literacy Squared: Understanding Holistic Biliteracy
Dates: July 23, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 AM MT (3 hours)
July 28, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 AM MT (3 hours)
Cost: $400 per person
Audience: K-5 bilingual and dual language teachers and leaders who are new to Literacy Squared® or seeking a refresher.
Prerequisite: None
Description: This introductory course explores the theoretical foundations of Literacy Squared®, a research-based and research-tested model designed to support biliteracy development in Spanish-English bilingual learners. Participants will examine how bilingualism shapes identity, perception, and cognition, and how to design instruction that values and builds on students’ full linguistic repertoires. The session introduces the Holistic Biliteracy Framework, paired literacy instruction, and assessment practices that reflect what students know and can do across languages.
2026 Virtual Summer Literacy Squared Learning Series
Join us for a series of professional learning sessions that may be taken individually
or as part of a coordinated biliteracy learning sequence.
All courses will be held on Zoom.
Introduction to Paired Literacy and Cross-Language Connections
Dates: July 29, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 AM MT (3 hours)
Cost: $400 per person
Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared
Description: Paired literacy is a core component of the Literacy Squared® framework that intentionally coordinates literacy and language instruction across Spanish and English. In this session, participants will be introduced to the foundations of paired literacy and explore how cross-language connections support students in developing biliteracy through a unified linguistic system.
Educators will examine how instruction can be coordinated across languages by connecting texts, standards, and performance tasks, and by using Literacy Squared® strategies to support unit objectives. Participants will leave with an introduction to paired literacy and initial entry points for planning instruction that draws on students’ full linguistic repertoires.
Oracy as a Foundation for Biliteracy Development
Dates: August 4, 2026 | 8:30-11:30 MT (3 hours)
Cost: $400 per person
Audience: K-5 dual language bilingual teachers and instructional leaders who are implementing the Literacy Squared® Framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared: Understanding Holistic Biliteracy
Description: This session builds on the foundations of Literacy Squared® by introducing oracy as a central component of the Holistic Biliteracy Framework. Participants will explore how oracy supports reading comprehension, writing, language development, and concept attainment across Spanish and English instructional contexts.
Educators will examine how to design structured oracy opportunities that explicitly develop language structures, vocabulary, and dialogue aligned with literacy objectives. Participants will leave with an understanding of how purposeful, well-planned oracy supports students in meeting unit goals, along with engaging ideas and strategies for getting students talking in the classroom.
Building Biliteracy Through the Lotta Lara Strategy
Dates: August 5, 2026 | 8:30-10:30 MT (2 hours)
Cost: $300 per person
Audience: K-5 dual language bilingual teachers and instructional leaders who are implementing the Literacy Squared® Framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared
Strongly recommended: Oracy as a Foundation for Biliteracy Development
Description: This session focuses on the Lotta Lara strategy, a research-based Literacy Squared® approach that integrates repeated reading and structured oracy to support biliteracy and language development. Participants will explore how Lotta Lara supports students in building meaning and developing language across Spanish and English instructional contexts.
Educators will learn the structure and procedures of the strategy, examine the research behind the approach, and engage with a classroom example of Lotta Lara in practice. Participants will also explore considerations for text selection and discuss ways to adapt the strategy to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Participants will leave with an introduction to the strategy and practical ideas for beginning to implement Lotta Lara within their literacy instruction to support biliteracy development and meet unit goals.
Building Biliteracy Through Metalanguage and the Así se dice Strategy
Dates: August 5, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 PM MT (2 hours)
Cost: $300 per person
Audience: K-5 dual language bilingual teachers and instructional leaders who are implementing the Literacy Squared® Framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared
Strongly recommended: Introduction to Paired Literacy and Cross-Language Connections
Description: This session focuses on developing metalanguage as a key component of biliteracy within the Literacy Squared® framework. Participants will explore how analyzing language within and across Spanish and English supports students in building meaning and understanding how language works across instructional contexts.
Educators will be introduced to Literacy Squared’s Así se dice strategy and examine how translation, interpretation, and discussion of language choices support students in comparing languages, making meaning, and using language with precision. Through modeled examples, participants will explore how the strategy develops metalinguistic awareness by engaging students in analyzing the nuances of language at multiple levels, including both literal and conceptual meaning across languages.
Participants will leave with an introduction to the strategy and practical ideas for beginning to incorporate metalanguage and Así se dice into their instruction to support biliteracy development.
Introduction to theDictado Strategy
Dates: August 6, 2026 | 8:30-10:30 AM MT (2 hours)
Cost: $300 per person
Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared
Description: This session introduces theDictado, an original Literacy Squared® strategy designed to strengthen biliterate reading and writing. theDictado explicitly teaches foundational reading skills, spelling, word study, vocabulary, and language conventions—including grammar and punctuation—within meaningful contexts. It supports students in understanding how sounds, words, and sentences work together to create meaning across languages.
Educators will learn the structure and procedures of the strategy and engage with modeled examples of theDictado in practice. Participants will examine how the routine supports instruction across Spanish and English and consider how it can be integrated into weekly literacy instruction.
Participants will leave with an introduction to the strategy and practical ideas for beginning to implement theDictado within their literacy instruction to support biliteracy development.
Extending theDictado: Designing Powerful and Purposeful Dictados
Dates: August 6, 2026 | 12:00-2:00 PM MT (2 hours)
Cost: $300 per person
Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework.
Prerequisite: Core Principles of Literacy Squared.
Either Introduction to theDictado Strategy or prior dictado training with the Literacy Squared team.
Description: This session extends learning of theDictado strategy by focusing on the design of purposeful dictados within the Literacy Squared® framework. Participants will explore how theDictado can strengthen biliteracy through intentional connections to standards, unit goals, and student needs.
Educators will examine key considerations for designing effective dictados, including how student writing, standards, and unit themes can inform instructional decisions. Through guided practice, participants will begin to craft dictados that target specific language and literacy objectives while maintaining meaningful and connected text.
Participants will leave with practical strategies and initial ideas for designing and refining theDictado to support student learning and strengthen biliteracy outcomes across Spanish and English.
*NOTE: The Literacy Squared® model is based on research conducted with students from Spanish-speaking homes enrolled in K-5 one-way bilingual/dual language programs in the U.S. However, many educators working in different dual language models or with students from other language backgrounds have found the framework highly applicable and valuable in their own contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure my spot in a virtual workshop?
Once you click on the “Register Now!” button, you will be taken to a registration page where you can sign up for one or more courses. You will be prompted to enter the number of participants, your contact information, and your payment method (credit card, check, or purchase order). This page will also generate an invoice for your records. Your registration is confirmed only after you submit payment.
What is the refund policy for virtual courses?
Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the session. After that, refunds may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Substitutions are welcome at any time. For refund requests or questions, please contact Jody Slavick at slavick@colorado.edu.
What happens if a course is canceled?
Courses with low enrollment will be canceled 5 business days before the session. In that case, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
Is Lit2 101 required before taking other virtual courses?
Yes. Because Literacy Squared is a research-based and research-tested framework, understanding the theoretical foundations that inform the strategies is essential. Lit2 101 (Virtual): Foundations of Literacy Squared® is a required prerequisite for all other virtual courses. For questions, please contact Jody Slavick at slavick@colorado.edu.
Is Literacy Squared® only for Spanish-English programs?
The Literacy Squared® model was developed through research with students from Spanish-speaking homes enrolled in K–5 one-way bilingual/dual language programs in the U.S. However, many educators serving students in other program models or with different language backgrounds have found the framework highly relevant and adaptable to their own contexts.
Can we receive credit hours for attending these PD sessions?
Yes. Upon completion of each virtual course, participants will receive a certificate of completion that includes the number of professional development hours.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For questions about professional development or refund requests, please contact Jody Slavick at
slavick@colorado.edu.
For questions regarding payment or vendor information, please contact Yesenia Gomez, Program and Fiscal Specialist, at
yesenia.gomez@colorado.edu.
