Language Reading Connection (LRC) - Overview
Purpose
The Language Reading Connection Master Professional Developers Institute’s purpose is to build district level professional development teams of the Language Reading Connection content. This will enable the team to provide professional development to local SLPs, educators, and administrators in planning and implementing language based reading interventions for students at-risk or identified as having reading difficulties.
The Language Reading Connection (LRC) was the initial two day, hands on professional development institute that provided school-based speech-language pathologist with the knowledge and skills to enhance their role in language and literacy development within their schools. The purpose of this professional development was to provide language interventions that support reading achievement of elementary level students, specifically in the areas of vocabulary and reading comprehension.
For more information, read our LRC brochure (PDF file, 113 KB).
Background and Legislation
- Specific legislation and recent state position guided the efforts of the LRC initiative, such as
- Florida Senate Bill 364 (CS/SB 364)
- ASHA Position Statement
- Florida DOE (Technical Assistant Paper): Roles of Speech-Language Pathologists in Regard to Reading
- No Child Left Behind
What Participants Can Expect to Learn
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Specific legislation and recent state position guided the efforts of the LRC initiative, such as:
- How to be a general support and resource for teachers in regards to the role of language in reading
- How to collaborate with teachers and other professionals in meeting the needs of students with reading deficits as a result of language needs
- How to incorporate areas of reading instruction into language intervention, specifically vocabulary and comprehension
- How to assist in gaining administrative support in implementing effective reading and language practices
- How to locate and utilize available resources related to effective reading and language instruction, specifically vocabulary and comprehension
To learn more about the content of the LRC Professional Development, please review the LRC Master Professional Developers Institute Agenda (Word document, 198 KB).
Development of LRC
The Language Reading Connection professional development was created by a dynamic team of speech-language pathologists representing various districts and universities throughout the state of Florida. This professional development was created in 2005 – 2006.
Continuing Education Units for SLPs
Continuing education units may be received by participating in the two day professional development institute and completing follow-up activities as required by the Florida Professional Development System Evaluation Protocol.
All participants attending the Language Reading Connection must complete the follow-up activities. Certificates of attendance noting the required continuing education units and/or in-service points will be provided to participants upon completion of follow-up activities.
