Description
The R2S Leadership in Literacy course prepares educators to become effective literacy leaders capable of driving meaningful change in their schools and districts. Grounded in the South Carolina Literacy Competencies for Reading Coaches, this comprehensive course equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to successfully guide literacy initiatives, support teacher development, and ultimately improve student reading outcomes.
Participants will explore theoretical foundations of literacy development while building practical expertise in evidence-based instructional approaches. Through engaging with research-based models and frameworks, educators will deepen their understanding of how to effectively lead data-driven decision making within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. The course emphasizes creating optimal learning environments where all students can thrive as readers and writers.
Throughout this course, participants will reflect on their personal literacy journeys, strengthen their coaching capabilities, and develop strategies for facilitating productive professional learning communities. They will learn to analyze assessment data, differentiate support for diverse learners, and build collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders. By the end of the course, participants will emerge as confident literacy leaders ready to implement effective practices, foster a culture of reading, and ensure literacy success for all students in their educational settings.
This course is for professional development credit only. VirtualSC PD courses do not count towards any type of degree.
Course Outline
Week 1: Student Orientation
Week 2: Understanding Your Literacy Leadership: Self-Assessment and Reflection
Week 3: Enhancing Literacy Environments: Analysis and Improvement Plan
Week 4: Data-Driven Literacy Leadership: Analyzing and Utilizing Assessment Insights
Week 5: Cultivating Coaching Conversations for Literacy Growth
Week 6: Building Bridges: Strategic Communication in Literacy Leadership
Week 7: The Reflective Leader: Measuring Growth and Charting Your Literacy Leadership Journey
Prerequisites
This is an advanced level course for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers with Internet access. They will also need speakers and a microphone (or a headset or telephone) to participate in the Virtual Meeting sessions. In addition, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and with using word processing software, email, and attachments.
This course is one of four that leads to certification as a literacy specialist. Prior to completion of this course, the participant should have already successfully completed each of the following courses:
- All courses leading to the R2S Literacy Teacher Endorsement.
- Foundations of Reading
- Content Area Reading and Writing (any approved “Content Area Reading and Writing” course)
- Instructional Practices
- Assessment of Reading
- All courses leading to the R2S Coach Endorsement.
- Principles of Literacy Coaching
- Action Research for Literacy Coaches
Required Materials
Lead with Literacy: A Pirate’s Guide to Developing a Culture of Readers by Mandy Ellis is a required professional book for this class. It can be ordered from Amazon in paperback for $18 or on a variety of digital platforms for various lower costs as well. All materials in this course are the property of the South Carolina Department of Education Office of VirtualSC PD. All course materials needed/required for the workshop, other than the book listed above, are available online.
Registration
When you register for a graduate course there are two steps: first with VirtualSC PD and then with The College of Charleston. Upon registration with VirtualSC PD, directions will be emailed to you for completing registration with The College of Charleston. Check the email used to create your Genius account often.
- Registration with The College of Charleston is required for each graduate course in order for credit to be awarded.