Professional Development Webcasts
Stay up-to-date with the Reading Rockets professional development webcast series. Listen, watch, and learn from top experts in the field of reading. Our webcasts are available anytime that's convenient for you.
Featured webcast preview
Dr. Steve Graham dicusses ways you can help a student with writing difficulties in our webcast, "Teaching Writing."
Each webcast features a 45- or 60-minute video program that you view from the Reading Rockets website. The webcasts also include recommended readings and suggested discussion questions. Some webcasts include the presenters' PowerPoint slides.
You can use the webcasts as the centerpiece of staff development workshops or watch them for your own professional development whenever you have time. All you need is a good Internet connection.
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Be a part of our studio audience
If you're going to be in the Washington, D.C. area and would like to be a part of our studio audience in Arlington, VA, please contact us.
Differentiated Reading Instruction
Webcast 1001
Featuring Carol Ann Tomlinson, G. Michael Pressley, and Louise Spear-Swerling discussing teaching strategies for differentiating reading instruction.
From Babbling to Books
Webcast 1002
Featuring Todd R. Risley, Sharon Landesman Ramey, and Julie Washington discussing research-based strategies for developing language and pre-reading skills in young children.
Assessment of English Language Learners
Webcast 1003
Featuring Dr. Lorraine Valdez Pierce, discussing effective classroom strategies for assessing English language learners.
English Language Learners in Middle and High School
Webcast 1004
Featuring Dr. Deborah Short discussing effective instructional strategies for teaching English language learner students in middle and high school.
Comprehension: Helping English Language Learners Grasp the Full Picture
Webcast 1005
This webcast will discuss effective reading comprehension strategies for teaching English language learner students. Featuring Dr. Cynthia Lundgren and Kristina Robertson.
Teaching English Language Learners to Read
Webcast 2001
Featuring insights from expert panelists Diane August, Margarita Calderón, and Fred Genesee, learn about the best research-based practices for teaching English language learners.
Make Reading Count
Webcast 2002
This webcast features Isabel Beck, Nanci Bell, and Sharon Walpole discussing the components for developing good reading comprehension skills, identifying potential stumbling blocks, and offering strategies teachers can use in the classroom.
Making Parents Partners
Webcast 2003
When parents play a part in their child's academic career, students have better school attendance, make greater achievement gains, and have fewer behavior problems. Featuring Karen L. Mapp, Susan Hall, and Tom Bowman
Reading to Learn: ELLs in Grades 4-6
Webcast 2004
Featuring Dr. Nonie Lesaux, addressing the challenges facing English language learners — and their teachers — in grades 4-6.
Establishing an Effective Reading Program
Webcast 2005
Schools around the country are faced with the challenge of changing their reading programs to comply with No Child Left Behind. Learn how schools and districts can choose the best reading programs to meet the new law.
Assessment: On Track for Reading Success
Webcast 2006
We've all heard the line 'I taught them, but they didn't learn.' How can teachers make sure that each student is not only being taught, but is actually learning? Dr. Roland Good of the University of Oregon and Dr. Mary Ruth Coleman, President of the Council for Exceptional Children, and Dr. Michael C. McKenna of the University of Virginia will address how assessment can be used to lead students to reading success.
English Language Learners with Learning Disabilities
Webcast 2007
Featuring bilingual speech-language pathologist Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan. This webcast discusses effective assessment and instruction strategies for English language learners with learning disabilities, as well as ways to help encourage the active involvement of parents of ELLs with LD in their children's schools.
Teaching Writing
Webcast 3001
Though often overlooked, writing is an essential skill that can help children become stronger readers; it can provide the means to enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and spelling abilities. With the help of three top experts, this webcast explores the importance of writing skills, what the latest research tells us, and what teachers and parents can do to make the process smooth and successful.
Summer Reading
Webcast 3002
How will your children spend the coming summer? Learning about a hidden world of magic? Following the adventures of a teenage spy? Visiting another planet? Summer is a chance for kids to have fun and unwind — but that doesn't mean they should stop learning.
Academic Language and English Language Learners
Webcast 3003
Featuring Dr. Robin Scarcella, providing an overview to academic language instruction for English language learners, as well as teaching strategies, activity ideas, and recommended resources.
Talking Tutoring
Webcast 3004
Featuring Marcia Invernizzi, Carole Prest, and Anne Hoover in a discussion about tutoring. These three experts discuss tutoring programs, tutor training, what the latest research tells us, and the different forms tutoring can take.
Educational Media: Screen Time and Literacy
Webcast 3005
Featuring Deb Linebarger, Lisa Guernsey, and Marnie Lewis in a discussion about educational media. These three experts discuss what the growing exposure to media means for children's literacy development.