Professional Development

Professional development in basic reading assessment and intervention is available to practicing educators and university students enrolled in a college of education.

Expertise in assessment and intervention is best developed through theory-based, mentored, hands-on practice over time. With this in mind, three types of professional development schedules are offered for individuals at the Salt Lake Valley UURC site (located in Murray):

1. A year-long intervention practicum (September-May)
2. A summer intervention practica (half-days for three weeks: June session or August session).
3. Short workshops (in partnership with other providers).

Year-long practica also are available in school settings throughout the state for cohorts of up to 12 educators. UURC staff conduct all practicum sessions on site in the elementary school. Classroom teachers, reading specialists, para-educators, special educators, ELL personnel, and administrators may participate. Both year-round and regular school-year calendars can be accommodated. (See pictures from Next Steps^SM preparations at Northwest Middle School.)

Those interested in receiving continuing education credit should enroll with Academic Outreach Continuing Education (AOCE) at the University of Utah.

Mobile clinics
At the request of a school or school district, the UURC can conduct mobile clinics on-site anywhere in the state. Currently, two kinds of service are available:

• Professional development on requested topics (e.g., fluency)
• Basic and/or computer-based assessment and instructional recommendations