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.
What is AIM Pathways? AIM PathwaysTM is a unique, interactive digital teacher training platform designed to deliver research and evidence-based content in the science of reading.
Each module is the first step in understanding the Science of Reading, Phonological Awareness, Decoding & Spelling, Vocabulary, Language Comprehension & Written Expression, and Demystifying Dyslexia. Each course is taken entirely online and takes approximately 5-9 hours to complete. Access to course content is available for 1 year. Certificates of contact hours are available upon completion.
Each Steps to Literacy 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.
If you are seeking a stipend, you will need your vendor code when registering for the module.
To receive the stipend for a module and access to subsequent modules, participants must earn a minimum score of a 70 on each module post-assessment. There is no time limit or resource limit on the post-assessment but please note, once you submit, there is no option to retake the assessment. The pre-assessment and module checks provide information that will support your post assessment success.
Information Session
Vendor Information
Access Maine Vendor Self-Service System here: https://mevss.hostams.com/PRDVSS1X1/AltSelfService
Registration Information
To register for the AIM Steps to Literacy Learning Modules, individuals must work in a Maine school with a valid school email address.
The registration for the summer stipend window has closed. We are working on processing stipends and final module requests for the remainder of August 2024.
Please check back for a new registration link in September to access the modules at no cost during the 2024 - 2025 school year.
Modules
For more information about AIM Steps to Literacy Learning Modules, please go to the AIM website.
Module 1: Overview of the Science of Reading
This AIM Pathways module contains content specific to the “Science of Reading,” the research that cognitive scientists, literacy researchers, and expert practitioners have conducted on how individuals learn to read. This body of knowledge has helped to debunk methods of reading instruction that are based on misguided philosophies and observation rather than evidence
Module 1 Syllabus
Module 2: Phonological Awareness (7 Hours)
A highly specialized exploration of the research and instructional practices related to Phonological Awareness is the first of five core components of reading instruction, as identified by the National Reading Panel. Phonological awareness, most specifically phonemic awareness, is an essential skill that underlies a student’s ability to learn to read and spell.
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.
Module 3: Decoding & Spelling (7 Hours)
Phonics and spelling instruction are essential components of any comprehensive literacy program. In this module, educators learn instructional methods to support students' decoding and encoding skills. This requires not only a systematic scope and sequence but also explicit instructional practices that engage students and provide multiple opportunities to practice tasks.
Module 4: Vocabulary
(4 Hours)
The Vocabulary module explores research and instructional practices related to Vocabulary acquisition and instruction. 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 text and expressing understanding in writing. This module uncovers a variety of direct and indirect word-learning experiences that can be applied to any curriculum or program before, during, or after reading text.
Module 5: Language Comprehension & Written Expression (11 Hours)
The Integrated Comprehension & Written Expression module explores the research and instructional practices related to language comprehension development, detailed in the upper strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. Comprehension is complex, and a breakdown in any of the components presented can compromise our ability to construct a mental model when reading or effectively express ideas through writing. Through an integrated instructional approach, students develop the knowledge and skills needed to support proficient reading comprehension and written expression.
Module 6: Demystifying Dyslexia (3 Hours)
In-depth learning about dyslexia, a common learning disability that affects 5-20% of the population. This module includes a simulated dyslexia experience and printable classroom tools. It also 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.
Module 7: Growing Proficient Readers
(4 Hours)
Dive into the Phases of Word Reading Development with 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. The module features resources to provide targeted instruction to meet learners, including a deck of vibrant, printed AIM Animated Alphabet Cards with detailed instructional scripts.
Module 8: Specialized Reading Knowledge Bundle - English Learners (11 Hours)
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.
Contact
Danielle Saucier
Literacy Specialist
Phone: 207-441-1383
Email: Danielle.M.Saucier@maine.gov