Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8am-3:15pm in Littleton, Colorado

Registration Check In – 7:45 to 8:15 am

Pick up Your Name Badge to confirm your attendance and grab your goodies!

Welcome & Plenary Session

8:15 to 9:50 am

Comprehension Success for Every Dyslexic Child and Adult

Kay Wijekumar, Ph.D.

Comprehension is the process by which a reader/listener interacts with text or listens and generates logically associated long-term memory. The most efficient and effective strategies to promote comprehension rely on students’ ability to select important ideas, generate a gist/main idea, extend the main idea with evidence to form a summary, and fill in knowledge gaps with inferences. A careful review of the school systems shows that textbooks arbitrarily spiral through skills in isolation without a clear focus on these essential strategies. Further, teacher, coach, and administrator knowledge and practices lack depth in evidence-based practices. Finally, the tests are deliberately confusing and prevent students from demonstrating their comprehension. The Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation (KAT) framework addresses these three root causes of the comprehension problem. Specific examples for addressing comprehension for dyslexic children will be shared. Over 70 classrooms across the country and numerous schools have achieved 100% pass rates on high-stakes state assessments by implementing the framework with fidelity. Participants will hear about the 50+ years of strong research evidence supporting the KAT system components and learn about the structured, systematic approach to achieving stellar comprehension results.

Break – 9:50 to 10:05 am

Morning Breakout Sessions

Choose 1 of 6 Options – 10:05 am to 11:25 am

Building a Literacy Constitution: A Blueprint for Coherence from De-Implementation to Implementation

Melody Ilk, M.S.

What if every classroom in your school operated with true coherence, clarity, and shared purpose? A Literacy Constitution makes that possible. In this energizing session discover how a one-page, research-aligned document can unify beliefs, strengthen Tier 1 instruction, and ensure every student receives the literacy experience they deserve.
You’ll learn how schools are using Literacy Constitutions to drive consistent practice, guide decision-making, and elevate expectations for students, teachers, and leaders. Walk away inspired with practical steps to create your own and transform your literacy ecosystem. A vision. A commitment. A promise to every learner. This session shows you how to build it.

The Power of Connection: Integrating Language, Reading, and Writing Development in the Early Years

Janine Henley, MS.Ed.

Language, reading, and writing do not develop in isolation. They are an interconnected system that fuels children’s literacy growth. Research in the Science of Reading emphasizes the importance of explicit, systematic instruction in foundational skills, but it also shows that children need meaningful opportunities to develop oral language, comprehension, and writing alongside reading instruction. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the science behind how language, reading, and writing reinforce one another, and why fostering all three is essential for strong literacy outcomes. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, discussion, and planning strategies to see how to bring these connections to life in their own classrooms.

From Practice to Transfer: Teaching Multisyllabic Words and Sentences for Daily Reading Success

Laura Spruce & Chelsea Reinhard

Students are often asked to read independently before they are fully prepared to be successful. When decoding and sentence-level comprehension are challenging, time in text can quickly become unproductive. This session introduces two simple, repeatable routines that help teachers create success before releasing students to read. Grounded in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, participants will learn how to preteach multisyllabic words and sentence-level comprehension demands using text students will encounter that same day. By practicing difficult words and sentences in advance, students build automaticity, strengthen comprehension, and gain confidence applying their skills independently. Designed for classroom teachers, literacy coaches, and school and district leaders, this session provides practical tools that are easy to plan, quick to implement, and powerful in improving daily reading success for all learner 

Beyond the Bot: Mastering AI Feedback for Literacy and Inclusion

Andrew Gitner, M.Ed.

How can we move from using AI as a mere novelty to using it as a sophisticated pedagogical partner? In this interactive session, we will explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and literacy instruction, specifically focusing on how high-quality feedback can transform outcomes for all students, including 2e (twice-exceptional) learners. We will establish guiding principles for responsible AI integration that prioritizes using AI ethically. Participants will master the PARTS of prompting AI to generate high-leverage, standards-aligned materials. We will also critically examine AI’s inherent “predilections toward bias” to ensure our use promotes equity rather than reinforce barriers. By the end of the hour, you will apply these strategies to create a practical, AI-enhanced resource tailored to your classroom’s specific literacy needs.

I Have the Data, Now What? Translating RTI Data into Effective Dyslexia Identification

Shari Hight; Erica Keen, M.Ed; and Amy Thompson, Ph.D., CALT, C-SLDS

This session addresses how to transform assessment data into meaningful identification and intervention decisions for students with dyslexia within an RTI framework. Participants will learn to analyze patterns that differentiate dyslexia from other reading difficulties, interpret progress monitoring data, and make evidence-based decisions at critical intervention points. We’ll examine characteristic profiles through case studies and practice recognizing key dyslexia indicators, including phonological processing deficits, unexpected gaps between comprehension and decoding, and inadequate intervention response. Attendees will receive practical templates for organizing tiered data and decision-making flowcharts for immediate implementation. Leave with enhanced skills to identify distinctive dyslexia profiles and support early, accurate identification leading to appropriate intervention.

Spelling on Purpose: Making Spelling a Multisensory, Structured Literacy Lesson (Not a Friday Test)

Angela Williams, MAT, CALT, QI in Training

Spelling on Purpose helps educators rethink spelling as a meaningful part of Structured Literacy rather than a weekly cycle of memorizing and testing. In this session, we explore how spelling strengthens orthographic mapping, the mental process that connects letters to sounds so words can be stored and retrieved with ease. Participants learn why students do not memorize words visually and how explicit, multisensory spelling routines support long term word learning for all ages. Teachers will experience a practical 15-to-20-minute routine that includes phonemic awareness warm ups, explicit pattern instruction, multisensory mapping, and guided dictation. The routine is designed to replace traditional spelling blocks without adding instructional time. Attendees leave with simple tools, a weekly template, and strategies that naturally support students with dyslexia, English learners, and students with weak working memory. The goal is to make spelling purposeful, accessible, and connected to real reading and writing.

Lunch – 11:25 am to 12:10 pm 

Lunch for this year will be provided by Tokyo Joe’s and will accommodate those with meal requirements such as dairy-free, gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Make sure to reserve the appropriate option during registration. We will not have extras. You may decline the meal, or bring your own, but we will not issue partial refunds. The meal options are as follows:

• Gluten Free/Dairy Free White Chicken Bowl: white rice, chicken, mixed veggies, teriyaki sauce, & a drink
• Gluten Free/Dairy Free Tofu Bowl: white rice, tofu, mixed veggies, teriyaki sauce, & a drink

Please note that alcoholic beverages and other items with age restrictions are not permitted on school campus. 

Afternoon Plenary Session – 12:10 to 1:30 pm

Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation (KAT) Framework to Improve Comprehension

Kay Wijekumar, Ph.D.

The KAT framework is a six-step process designed by teachers and refined through 10+ years of classroom implementation. The framework addresses the three major root causes of comprehension problems facing children and adults today. During this session, we will share specific implementation science research on textbooks and their arbitrary spiraling, teachers’ and school leaders’ knowledge and use of ineffective strategies, and the misleading tests. We will share teaching models for expository, narrative, and poetry texts with accompanying KAT lesson guides. If audience members would like to apply the KAT framework to their own materials, they can join us for the breakout session, where we will plan and practice delivering KAT lessons.

Break – 1:30 to 1:45 pm

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Choose 1 of 6 Options – 1:45 to 3:05 pm

Actively Engage with the Knowledge Acquisition and Transformation (KAT) Framework

Kay Wijekumar, Ph.D.

During this session, we will plan and practice with audience members using our samples or their preferred content. Each attendee will take away a fully planned lesson with support and ideas for extending implementation in their schools and classrooms.

Confidence, Resilience & Belonging: Meeting the Social-Emotional Needs of Students with Dyslexia

Megan Turner, M.Ed.

The need for explicit, systematic literacy interventions for struggling readers has come to the forefront of education in recent years. The benefits of this cannot be understated. However, to truly meet the needs of students with dyslexia, we must address both their reading challenges and the psychological challenges that accompany dyslexia. The IDA’s updated definition of dyslexia notes that dyslexia may be accompanied by secondary consequences including impacts to psychological well-being. As students with dyslexia and other learning differences grapple with anxiety, low self-esteem and depression, we must engage in the critical work of addressing their needs in a holistic way. Through this presentation, participants will gain an understanding of the emotional challenges facing students with dyslexia, discover the relationship between academics and emotional skill building, and be equipped with tools to implement emotional skill building instruction that encourages community and meets the holistic needs of students with learning differences.

Science of Reading Meets RTI: Designing Targeted Interventions for SLD Evaluations

Erin Perez, Ph.D.

Yes, an evaluation can be completed with “just” RTI! Gain practical tools and data-driven strategies to enhance SLD reading evaluations, optimize student outcomes, and implement immediately back at your school.

Fluency Foundations: Effective Strategies for Developing Reading and Spelling Proficiency

Shari Hight; Erica Keen, M.Ed; and Amy Thompson, Ph.D., CALT, C-SLDS

This session explores practical, evidence-based strategies to strengthen reading and spelling fluency. Participants will gain a clear understanding of these foundational skills, engage in hands-on activities, and leave with ready-to-use ideas for classroom, small group, or one-on-one interventions.

The Colorado READ Act and Science of Reading for Families

Sara Carney & Josiah Colombo-Espinoza, Senior Literacy Consultants at the CDE

Families play an important role in building the foundation for reading and literacy skills. Educators partner with families to communicate and collaborate around reading development. The Elementary Literacy and School Readiness Office (ELSR) at the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) has created a series of turnkey resources for districts and schools to use to support family awareness of the Colorado READ Act, READ plans, and the science of reading for families.

Practical Application of Intervention through the Special Education Lens

Kristin Duncan, Ph.D., C-SLDS

The presentation is focused on addressing real classroom challenges and supporting diverse learners through evidence‑based practices. Strategies for strengthening phonological awareness, reading, and writing instruction grounded in Structured Literacy and the Science of Learning. The presentation will emphasize practical classroom applications and aimed to boost teacher confidence and instructional effectiveness. Special attention was given to supporting students with special education needs, highlighting tools and best practices that educators can implement immediately. Attendees will leave with renewed insights and collaborative ideas to enhance literacy outcomes in their classrooms for students with disabilities.

Scan the Code – Take the Survey to Get Your Certificate of Attendance

3:05 to 3:15 pm

After the closing session, please make sure you visit us to scan the code at the check-out tables with your phone and access our Conference Survey. You will download your Certificate of Attendance from the survey completion screen!

If you don’t want to take the survey in-person at the end of the conference, simply scan the code to visit the survey and then bookmark the survey webpage for use in the week after the conference. You must take the survey to receive a certificate of attendance.