AI + Science of Reading: Unlocking Secondary Literacy Success

Outline

Introduction and Initial Discussion (15 minutes)

Content: Overview of the Science of Reading (SOR) and the role of AI in enhancing secondary literacy.

Engagement: Participants will engage in poll like mentimeter to assess their familiarity with SOR and AI, followed by a think-pair-share activity to foster peer interaction and facilitate connection among educators.

Process: Encourage paired discussions around personal experiences and expectations regarding SOR and AI integration.

Hands-On AI Exploration (20 minutes)

Content: Introduction to selected AI tools that support literacy instruction (e.g., School AI, ChatGPT, Microsoft Reading Coach, Notebook LM).

Engagement: Educators will participate in hands-on exercises simulating the use of these tools to address specific literacy challenges.

Activities:
We will provide pre-made templates, student created writing samples, and fill in the blank prompts for participants to use to quickly create these literacy based resources.

Reader’s Theater: Create scripts to build background knowledge and practice reading fluency.
Mystery Boxes: Build background knowledge through AI generated themed items.
Word Ladders: Engage in vocabulary morphology study to enhance understanding of word structures.
Podcast: Develop listening comprehension and enrich vocabulary by using AI to create a podcast using student writing.

Process: Participants will work in pairs to explore the features of the AI tools, fostering collaboration and shared learning.

Collaborative Resource Creation (15 minutes)

Content: Participants will design literacy lessons using our pre-made template that integrate SOR principles with AI tools.

Engagement: Small group work to create inclusive and differentiated instructional resources aimed at supporting diverse learners.

Outcome: Each group will develop a practical resource that can be implemented in their classrooms immediately. These resources will be collected on a shared padlet for others to use.

Reflection and Share-Out (10 minutes)

Content: Participants will reflect on their learning experiences and the resources developed during the session.

Engagement: Use Padlet for participants to share their lesson ideas and reflections.

Process: Encourage critical thinking by asking participants to consider how they will integrate AI and SOR in their classrooms to foster equitable, joyful learning experiences.

Process: Facilitator support will be provided as groups brainstorm and discuss their lesson ideas, encouraging creative collaboration.

Supporting research

Science of Reading Research: Key insights from Artfully Teaching the Science of Reading highlight the importance of phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in literacy instruction, even for older students. Participants will learn strategies for addressing these areas in secondary settings.

Knowledge Matters by Natalie Wexler: This research underscores the significance of building background knowledge alongside literacy skills. The session will highlight how AI tools can support the development of both reading skills and knowledge, improving comprehension in content areas like history and science.

Bringing Words to Life by Dr. Isabel Beck: Emphasizes the importance of robust vocabulary instruction in fostering reading comprehension. The research highlights the need for intentional, direct vocabulary teaching that goes beyond simple word definitions. This session will explore how AI tools can enhance vocabulary development by providing personalized, interactive learning experiences that align with effective instructional practices.

Thinking Reading: What Every Secondary Teacher Needs to Know About Reading by James and Diane Murphy: Emphasizes the importance of systematic, explicit instruction in reading for older students who struggle. The research highlights the need for teachers across content areas to understand the science of reading, focusing on phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. This session will show how AI tools can support personalized reading interventions, helping secondary students build essential literacy skills more effectively.

AI in Education Research: Recent studies show that AI tools can provide real-time personalized feedback and adapt learning to student needs, improving outcomes. Research on adaptive learning platforms and automated writing feedback systems will be shared to show the tangible benefits of AI in literacy instruction.

How to Teach AI by Rachelle Dene Poth emphasize the transformative role of AI in enhancing educational practices. Participants will explore practical strategies for incorporating AI into their teaching, focusing on ethics, creativity, and critical thinking skills necessary for students to thrive in a technology-driven world.

https://edsource.org/2023/chatgpt-will-fundamentally-change-how-we-teach-writing-thats-a-good-thing/686768
https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/digital-transformation/reading-coach-ai-help-students-create-stories-fluency/#:~:text=Reading%20Coach%20%E2%80%93%20one%20of%20the,say%20and%20practice%20those%20terms.

https://www.edweek.org/technology/measuring-reading-comprehension-is-hard-can-ai-and-adaptive-tools-help/2023/03

https://www.landmarkschool.org/our-school/landmark-360-blog?id=370034/ai-can-help-reading-instruction

https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-generative-ai-can-support-nonfiction-reading/

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/22/bill-gates-ai-chatbots-will-teach-kids-how-to-read-within-18-months.html

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2023-03-07-schools-are-using-voice-technology-to-teach-reading-is-it-helping
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wyxuf5BvEako1431k1SxobamYt2CYA96/view?usp=sharing

https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-ai-in-universal-design-for-learning/

https://www.edutopia.org/article/science-reading-high-school

https://www.edutopia.org/article/10-studies-every-teacher-should-know-about