Elementary Reading Academy

CORE's Elementary Reading Academy offers educators fundamental knowledge in effective standards-aligned and evidence-based reading practices based on the science of reading.


The Elementary Reading Academy (ERA) is designed for K-6 teachers, literacy coaches, reading specialists, and reading intervention teachers. It offers educators fundamental knowledge in effective, standards-aligned and evidence-based reading practices for all learners. The ERA also applies this knowledge to the curriculum teachers are using. By taking all five topical sessions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential components for effective reading instruction, based on the science of reading.

For more information, download our flyer.

Participant Outcomes

  • Identify the standards alignment to evidence-based reading instruction.
  • Articulate the research on the essential components of reading instruction and link research to practice.
  • Gain clear and explicit models of high-leverage instructional routines.
  • Practice using instructional routines specific to the particular topic.

Get in touch

Contact CORE to learn more about how our Elementary Reading Academy can help you improve early literacy teaching outcomes.


About the Sessions

By taking all five topical sessions, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the essential components for effective reading instruction.

NOTE: Sessions 1 and 2 must be taken together. Sessions 3, 4, 5, and 6 may be taken separately.

This session provides an overview of the scientific research on teaching reading, including basic linguistics, phonic elements and print awareness and letter knowledge. (This session may not be taken separately; it must be combined with session 2.)

During this session, participants learn how to develop phonemic awareness as well as explicit, systematic phonics instruction, including effective corrective feedback and various forms of blending, and the application to decodable text. (This session may not be taken separately; it must be combined with session 1.)

This session addresses the techniques that help students transition from reading single-syllable words to reading multisyllabic words. In addition, participants learn effective techniques to foster reading fluency: accuracy, appropriate rate and expression.

This session focuses on vocabulary development. Participants study word-learning strategies and specific word instruction, and experience active ways to promote “word consciousness.” The needs of English learners are addressed.

This session focuses on the different ways to assist students to access both narrative and informational texts. Specific reading skills and strategies—including questioning, graphic organizers and monitoring techniques—are presented using explicit instruction, with hands-on lessons and high-leverage models and practice.

This session guides participants through Assessing Reading: Multiple Measures and also lays out the basic principles and purposes of different types of assessments and what a comprehensive assessment blueprint looks like within the context of a three-tier system.

Meet Our Literacy Experts

Thomas Acampora

Director of Education Programs | Pivot Learning

Thomas Acampora has over 15 years of experience working in and with schools to improve outcomes for students. He has led teams of educational professionals that worked with middle and high schools to improve graduation rates by creating powerful and nimble systems of student support, including small learning communities, early warning systems, positive behavior supports and restorative practices. He has managed and oversaw successful transformation plans that include a wide variety of partners and efforts at multiple schools across the country, ensuring coherent, effective, and sustained school improvement in the ABCs (Attendance, Behavior, Course Performance).

Dr. Carrie Thomas Beck
Carrie Thomas Beck

Director of Literacy | CORE Learning

Dr. Carrie Thomas Beck is CORE’s Director of Literacy. She comes to CORE after working four years as the Dyslexia Specialist for the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Carrie has led the development of a reading endorsement program at the university and spent five years at the university co-directing the Oregon Reading First Center, a federally funded center that partnered with ODE to provide technical support in the area of early literacy to fifty elementary schools throughout the state of Oregon.

Fineé E. Taylor

Educational Services Manager | CORE Learning

Dr. Fineé E. Taylor has been an educational consultant for over 15 years and taught a range of elementary grades, served as an instructional coach, worked as an associate reading professor, and served as a Pre-K and Elementary Curriculum Supervisor.

Cris Goldy
Cris Goldy

Director, Education Services | CORE Learning

Cris Goldy is a Senior Educational Services Manager with CORE. Cris provides services to schools, districts and agencies to support effective program implementation, multi-tiered systems of support, special education and special programs support, strategic improvement plans, instructional leadership, teacher development, training and coaching. Her specialties are administrative leadership, K-2 literacy, interventions and special education.

Dr. Dale Webster
Dale Webster

Vice President of Language & Literacy | CORE Learning

Dale Webster is CORE’s Vice President of Language & Literacy. He leads the Educational Services division and is responsible for the day-to-day operations, training, and quality control of CORE’s educational consulting and management staff. Dale brings 20 years of experience in teaching, professional development/technical assistance, research, state-level policy work and administration, and curriculum development to schools and districts across the country.

Garla L. Jalloh

Educational Services Manager | CORE Learning

Garla Jalloh is an Educational Services Manager who specializes in secondary literacy. She finds great joy and fulfillment in supporting and building capacity in middle and high school educators so that they are equipped to provide equitable learning environments for their students, with a focus on literacy.

Kristina Arcuri

M.A. Ed., Educational Services Manager | CORE Learning

Kristina Arcuri is an Educational Services Manager with CORE Learning. She is a former superintendent with 24 years of experience in the education sector, focused on driving growth and improving test scores by recruiting and maintaining high-quality staff. She is a decisive leader and analytical problem-solver with a solid track record of success.

Erica Hidalgo
Erica Hidalgo

Senior Educational Services Manager | CORE Learning

Erica Hidalgo is a Senior Educational Services Manager with CORE. She was a classroom teacher in both Texas and New Mexico before serving as an elementary school principal and curriculum director. Prior to working with CORE, Erica served as a curriculum director where she planned and coordinated ongoing, job-embedded professional learning opportunities for administrators and teachers in both large urban and mid-sized rural school districts.

Get in Touch

Contact CORE to learn more about our Elementary Reading Academy.