Program Overview

Program Overview

The program "Shifting the Balance: K-2" is designed for K-2 teachers, coaches, interventionists, or school leaders who want to improve literacy practices and make it easier for children to learn to read.

Program Details

• Instructors: Kari Yates and Dr. Jan Burkins
• Grading Method: Letter (Letter)
• Credits: 1
• Department: EDUC (2000)
• Academic Level: K-12 Professionals
• Start/End Dates: 07/13/2026 - 10/26/2026
• Register By: 08/03/2026
• Term: Summer 2026
• Location: Online/Zoom
• Instruction Mode: Internet Asynchronous (online class)
• Cost: $429

Meeting Pattern

The online class includes 1 live virtual Q&A session on August 25, 2026, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. CST.

Description

This course invites participants to take an honest look at current literacy practices and consider what needs to shift. It is based on the book "Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom" by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates. The course will provide practical and powerful instructional moves that can be implemented immediately.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives

Participants will:

• Explain the Four Part Processing Model and Simple View of Reading and their roles in how the brain learns to read
• Leverage read-aloud as an opportunity to expand oral language and build knowledge in intentional ways
• Design phonemic awareness instruction that leverages the most critical skills for early reading
• Critically assess the scope and sequence for phonics instruction, applying brain-friendly learning principles
• Implement a multi-day, structured phonics lesson focused on a specific phonics skill
• Prioritize high-frequency word lists to identify words for instruction using an explicit lesson format that engages all four processing systems
• Critically evaluate current practices for prompting readers, revising previous practices as needed to avoid creating dependence on compensatory strategies and align instruction to how the brain learns to read
• Evaluate a range of texts for beginning readers, identifying those that best align with the current instructional focus
• Empower students to become more self-directed through choice, growth mindset, positive messages, plans, and goals
• Implement and/or refine research-based teaching structures including oral language developmental, phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, high-frequency word instruction, instructional formats, responsive lesson design, and responsive teaching moves
• Design a personalized implementation plan to ensure the concepts of the course are carried forward into the coming academic year

Materials

• Required Text: "Shifting the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading into the Balanced Literacy Classroom" (Stenhouse Publishing, 2021)
• All other materials will be disseminated electronically. Access to the internet is critical.

Testimonials

Participants have praised the course for being practical, informative, and engaging, with many stating that they can apply the strategies learned immediately in their teaching practices.