Join us for an interactive deep dive into the science of reading in Oak Brook, IL.

Now more than ever, we are called to focus on the compelling evidence-aligned reading research to provide a clear foundation for student success. At our Oakbrook event, we'll hear from local policy experts and school leaders who have brought transformative change to their district’s reading instruction.

Literacy is one of the most significant social justice and equity issues today. Through the science of reading research, we can deliver on the promise of literacy for all.

School leaders are the key change agents in making good on that promise.

Your leadership matters. Districts where leaders know the research and lead the instruction experience the greatest success. This 2-day Science of Reading Symposium will provide the research as the foundation and the roadmap for instruction: the why and the how.

“The hands-on activities, Q/A, and tangible resources were outstanding! I enjoyed networking with other school leaders, listening to the MTSS Success Journey presentations on how 95 Percent Group has worked for them to improve instruction and reading outcomes.”

Atlanta, GA Symposium Participant | June 2023

Symposium Takeaways

All attendees will receive:

10 Success Factors for Literacy Improvement, a transformative MTSS leadership guide by Dr. Susan Hall, Co-Founder, 95 Percent Group

10 Success Factors Book Study Bundle including a Facilitator's Guide and 10 Reader’s Guides
95 Percent Group Phonics Continuum
95 Phonics Core Program® Grade 1 Sample Lesson
The Reading League's Science of Reading Defining Guide
Certificate of Attendance
10% Discount Code for printed product orders (up to $500 per school, expires in 30 days)

Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on both days!

2 Ways to Register Now

We've partnered with Eventbrite to make our registration process convenient for all attendees who want to pay by credit card. You can use the Register Online Now button to reserve your spot.

Registering with a Purchase Order

Please include the name, email address, title, school name or district, and event code WS1000.SRSIL.202310 on your PO and send it to wsorders@95percentgroup.com.

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before the event, less processing fees.

We look forward to meeting you as we work together to bring the Science of Reading to practice in your school or district.

Space is limited. Register today to reserve your seat.

Questions?

For more information, contact Melissa Strum, Regional Account Executive | mstrum@95percentgroup.com | 847.480.3482

workshops@95percentgroup.com | 847.499.8200

“Everything was fabulous! The symposium built on my current reading science knowledge base deepening my understanding for classroom application, provided new resources, and I met some fantastic, dynamic people that I will keep in touch with. Loved every minute!”

Riverside, CA Symposium Participant | March 2023

DAY #1: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

The Science of Reading: Principles and Practices

Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer, 95 Percent Group will facilitate an interactive, deep dive into the science of reading.

9:00 AM - Noon | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

- What has science taught us about how children learn to read?
- How do these findings help transform instructional practice?
- What framework can impact system-wide change and literacy success?

Attendees will leave with an understanding of reading science principles, practical reading techniques to put into immediate action, and a framework for implementing system-wide change

DAY #2: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

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9:00 AM - 10:15 AM | Keynote: Tracy White Weeden, Ed.D., President and CEO, Neuhaus Education Center

Literacy – The Human Right of the 21st Century

Dr. Weeden has spent her career working to advance literacy and academic excellence. As President
and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center (NEC), she provides leadership and support in financial management, recruitment and development, fundraising, and initiating and furthering relationships with NEC partners. Prior to joining Neuhaus, Dr. Weeden was the Executive Director of Academic Planning with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Intervention Solutions Group, and before that, she spent more than five years as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for the Houston Independent School District.

10:30 AM - 11:45 AM | MTSS Success Journeys

Moving from Balanced Literacy to Structured Literacy with 95 Phonics Core Program

Amanda W IL Symposium Amanda Wojcik, K-5 Literacy Implementation Specialist, St. Charles School District, IL, will share her district's
journey from balanced to structured literacy, driven by research, using high quality structured literacy resources.

A Leadership Roadmap for Effective MTSS Implementation

Matt Birdsly Matt Birdsley, Director of Finance/CSBO and former Director of Curriculum, Sterling Public Schools, IL, will share his leadership experience in creating and implementing comprehensive, structured literacy and MTSS processes that support explicit and systematic instruction within each tier.

Using Reading Science to Guide Structured Literacy Instruction

Danielle Calvin, Senior Consultant Manager, 95 Percent Group, will share how to ensure that schools include implementation science with structured literacy practices. She’ll also discuss the importance of fidelity in practice and how leadership support leads to sustainable practices and student outcomes.

Melissa Strum 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

Connecting Research to Practice

Melissa Strum, Regional Account Executive, 95 Percent Group | IL, IN, MI

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM | Roundtable Panel Discussion

Bringing it All Together

Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer, 95 Percent Group, will moderate a discussion about effectively implementing the science of reading instructional practices and aligned resources in IL classrooms. Learn how these leaders created environments for change in their districts and schools.

Panelists include:

Louise Dechovitz, Co-Founder of the Illinois Early Literacy Coalition
Ben Zulauf, Director of Literacy and Social Studies, Cicero School District 99, IL
Tracy White Weeden, Ed.D., President and CEO, Neuhaus Education Center
Amanda Wojcik, K-5 Literacy Implementation Specialist, St. Charles School, St. Charles, IL
Matt Birdsley, Director of Finance/CSBO and former Director of Curriculum, Sterling Public Schools, IL
Danielle Calvin, Senior Consultant Manager, 95 Percent Group