Welcome to the Central Rivers AEA Literacy website! Here you will find information, resources, and tools to improve literacy education for all students. Check out our blog to learn more about current happenings in literacy.


On-Demand Learning

What is Structured Literacy?

Structured Literacy is the instructional framework recommended for students with characteristics of dyslexia, but can support all beginning and struggling readers. During this learning, you’ll learn what principles and elements you should look for to determine whether your students are receiving “Structured Literacy.”

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What is the Science of Reading? Part 1

Learners will engage in studying the research on the Science of Reading to create a deeper understanding of how the brain learns to read. How is “reading” defined?

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An Overview of Dyslexia

In this brief module, you’ll learn the definition of dyslexia, some characteristics of dyslexia, and how to approach the subject of dyslexia with families.

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Phonological Awareness: Key Features of Effective Instruction

This module, which is a part of the Phonological Awareness series, takes users through scoring and analyzing a PAST (Phonological Awareness Screening Test) assessment.

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Phonological Awareness: Designing Instruction Based on PAST Results

During this learning you will have an opportunity to plan instructional routines for each proficiency stage of phonological awareness using the PAST assessment results as a guide.

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Choosing Text Types for Literacy Instruction

During this learning experience, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge about four text types often used in literacy instruction, explore the purposes of each type, and think about which texts align with your students’ current needs.

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Iowa Core ELA Standards

“The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects (“the standards”) represent the next generation of K–12 standards designed to prepare all students for success in college, career, and life by the time they graduate from high school.” (National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, 2010)

The ELA Standards are accessible through the Iowa Core.gov website. Iowa Core Standards-Based Rubrics and ELA Learning Progressions are located in the Assessment tab of the Central Rivers AEA website.


Helpful Literacy Sites

Important Contacts

Staff Directory