Ferguson-Florissant School District

What is LETRS®?

LETRS® is not a curriculum.  LETRS® is a professional learning offering that provides teachers with the skills they need to master the fundamentals of reading instruction: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, writing, and language - independent of any curriculum or resource. LETRS® will strengthen teachers’ knowledge of language structure, including phonology, syllable types, morphology, spelling generalizations, semantics, and syntax, and show how each correlates with the development of the reading brain to produce skilled, proficient readers.  The LETRS® Suite is a comprehensive professional learning system that is designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading. Developed by Dr. Louisa Moats and leaders in the field of literacy, LETRS teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.

How Does LETRS Accelerate Teacher Knowledge?

LETRS addresses four critical outcomes for effective literacy instruction: understanding the science of reading, converting research to practice, enhancing teacher effectiveness, and transforming instruction. By understanding the “why” behind science and evidence-based research, educators can effectively aid students in learning to read. LETRS professional learning is relevant and applicable and designed to be the cornerstone of a multiyear, systemic literacy improvement initiative.

What is the Time Commitment?

There are two volumes for LETRS training.  Each volume takes place over the course of approximately a year.   Attendance for all four dates is required (see below).  The approximate time commitment should be expected:

• 4 in-person days (see below)
• Online Modules 40 hours
• Reading 12 hours
• Bridge to Practice 6-8 hours

Grades K-2 Cohort Dates

• 9-28-23 
• 11-30-23
• 2-8-24
• 3-21-24

Grades 3-5 Cohort Dates

• 9-27-23 
• 11-29-23
• 2-7-24
• 3-20-24

How do I sign up?

There are two pathways for taking advantage of the DESE-funded LETRS training.  Please read the following closely.  Note: if you sign up for an EdPlus cohort, you will need to connect with their team for all questions.

1. EdPlus Cohort - The state is facilitating LETRS training through EdPlus at no cost.   You can sign up for one of their cohorts and take it through them.  If you do this, your building will need to cover the sub-cost. This can be done via PDC funds (if ILT approves).  Once the online assessment at the end of the course is passed  (score of 80% or higher), the teacher should reach out to Jenn Kraisan and the district will provide a $500 stipend  (reimbursed from DESE).
2. FFSD Cohort - FFSD is offering two cohorts during the 2023-2024 school year.  These are specifically for K-5 certified teachers.  The district will cover the sub-cost for teachers that are in these cohorts. Once the online assessment at the end of the course is passed (score of 80% or higher), the district will provide a $500 stipend (reimbursed from DESE).

What is the cost?

Through a grant from DESE, there is no cost to teachers for the training or materials.  FFSD will provide the following compensation for teachers that are accepted into the cohort:

• The district will pay for your sub during the 4 training dates.
• $500 stipend for online modules and reading

How do I Sign Up?

To sign up for the 2023-2024 LETRS Cohort, please complete this form.  Once registration has closed, Jenn Kraisan will be in touch with more information.