College of Education and Human Development

Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement

Explicit, evidence-based

CAREIALL: Advancing Language and Literacy

A comprehensive professional development course designed to support educators in operationalizing structured literacy in their classrooms.

CAREIALL: Advancing Language and Literacy

CAREIALL participants will gain an understanding of ... 

  • Latest evidence-based practices in literacy instruction
  • Research that supports practices and guides instructional decision-making 
  • Elements of assessment, enabling multi-tiered system of supports, equitable and inclusive practices, and the science of teaching and learning

Participants experience both asynchronous and synchronous learning, facilitated by members of CAREI’s literacy team. The comprehensive CAREIALL course is approximately 65 hours in length. Mini-courses are also available for targeting professional development. 

Testimonials

What our CAREIALL participants are saying ...

School leadership, on the effect of CAREIALL training ...

"The teachers that I support ask me different types of questions than before [CAREIALL], and we have new types of conversations around reading instruction than we've ever had."

"CAREIALL is a reminder of how greatly impacted students independence is when they lack basic reading and writing skills ...

... It has given me resources and tools to use in my classroom for my students who are low readers."

"I appreciated stressing the importance of speech language pathologists ...

I have been talking to my fellow special education team members about incorporating this instruction with struggling readers ... This only reinforces what I have been advocating."

On CAREIALL's delivery ...

"There are multiple opportunities for voices to be heard, whether that be in whole group, small groups, or through messages in the chat."

"The most impactful part of my learning has been ...

... the importance of explicit teaching of these skills, rather than students trying to 'catch' them."

"[I appreciate] the lens for special education ...

All the facilitators so far have been so responsive to the makeup of our group, pulling our experiences and perspectives into the training."

"The focus on oral language development and English language protocols/engagement strategies!

These will be really helpful and relevant in my middle school math classroom."

Frequently asked questions

    What is the cost of CAREIALL?

    Contact a CAREI specialist to customize an implementation plan that works for you, your school, or district. 

    What grade level is this appropriate for?

    All educators k-12 who are tasked with leading or supporting reading instruction or who have students in their classroom who struggle with language, reading, or writing.

    Which educators would benefit from the CAREIALL course?

    Striving readers need literacy support across their day. Ideally, all educators are aware of the science of reading so that every educator can capitalize on teachable moments wherever and whenever they occur. We highly recommend that speech language pathologists, special education teachers, and Teachers of Multilingual Learners participate in CAREIALL. The decision to include other specialists, such as science, PE, and/or music teachers, depends on your local school/district goals for professional learning and plans for instructional practice.

    How much time is recommended between each asynchronous and synchronous session?

    One month. The training is designed for asynchronous and synchronous learning to take place over multiple weeks so there is opportunity for application and reflection. All content builds on previous content. 

    What is the minimum and maximum number of participants?

    The minimum is 25 for district specific cohorts. There is no maximum for the total number of participants in a district cohort; however, live sessions will be capped at 50 participants. For large districts, multiple live sessions can be scheduled concurrently when necessary. If you are a district with fewer than 25 total participants, please reach out to us to determine if other options are available.

    Does the district need to provide facilitators? Will there be training for the facilitators?

    While the districts do not need to provide trainers, districts should provide 1 facilitator for every 30 participants to support engagement, application, and accountability in their local context. As part of their role, facilitators will encourage and moderate discussions that happen in breakout groups during the 2-hour live session time, moderate discussions, and review participants’ progress. They will document completion and quality of application activities, and share questions and relevant information with the live session instructor to support individualization of the live sessions. We will provide a facilitator's guide to the designated district/school facilitators prior to the live sessions.

    How long are the live sessions?

    The live sessions are 2 hours each, 8 in total (one per module). There is also a 1 hour live kickoff session. The timing of the live sessions will be coordinated with your district. We recommend scheduling a live session once per month so there is opportunity for application and reflection. The live sessions must occur after the asynchronous content is completed. 

    How many hours is CAREIALL training?

    The asynchronous content is approximately 45-50 hours. Everyone reads and processes at different rates, so this time is an estimate only, based on average experiences of previous participants. The live content is an additional 16 hours, bringing the CAREIALL training total to approximately 65 hours. Participants will be able to work at their own pace between live sessions, allowing time to transfer knowledge to their classroom practice and document their journey.

    Are the live sessions in-person?

    CAREIALL live sessions are hosted through Zoom and are conducted by CAREI professional learning facilitators. The sessions include dedicated breakout periods in order to work collaboratively around putting the knowledge learned in the asynchronous sessions into practice in the local context (classroom, school, district, etc.). We suggest that participants designate local facilitators at a ratio of 1 per 30 individuals to guide their respective groups effectively. Participants should gather from their own respective location/device. This will allow us to verify attendance. 

    What happens if someone misses a live session?

    CAREI offers make-up sessions for good cause. There are also options to work with district facilitators to make up a session. 

    Is there a syllabus?

    See the CAREIALL website for a general course outline. A detailed scope and sequence will be available starting summer, 2024.

    Does CAREIALL address the needs of multilingual learners?

    Participants will be introduced to instructional considerations which are useful when supporting  and  assessing the literacy development of multilingual learners. These ideas are woven throughout the modules. Attention is also given to the sometimes hidden strengths multilingual learners can bring to the classroom.

    Do these modules align with the IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards?

    Yes, more information can be found here: IDA Knowledge and Practice Standards Crosswalk

    Who do I contact if I have additional questions?

    Complete the inquiry form or email careiall@umn.edu.