Culver-Stockton elementary education students receive critical science of reading training

CANTON, Mo. — Future elementary teachers earning their degrees at Culver-Stockton College are receiving evidence-based literacy instruction focused on the science of reading.

Undergrad students completing their literacy coursework are being trained in Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) Vol. 1. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is funding the training as part of their comprehensive plan to improve student literacy across the state.

“There is so much more to the science of reading than phonics,” Lindsay Uhlmeyer said in a press release. “We’ve known for decades what a complex process that teaching reading encompasses.”

According to DESE, LETRS training provides sustained and job-embedded professional learning. Teachers will develop evidence-based foundational knowledge and the expertise to deliver explicit and systematic instruction focused on the essential skills that positively affect long-term systemic change in literacy outcomes.

Students at Culver-Stockton are among only a handful of cohorts at colleges and universities across the state who are being trained as part of their undergraduate coursework. The participants in the course supplement their learning by working directly with practicum students in kindergarten and second grade through a partnership with Canton R-V.

“LETRS has provided me with knowledge that not only allows me to teach students to read but also makes the process so simple. It broke down complex practices and concepts into easy-to-apply instruction backed by research,” said Eva Manuel, Culver-Stockton education major. “I found myself reevaluating everything I had thought I knew about reading instruction and rebuilding that knowledge with researched-backed practices that will only benefit my future students.”

C-SC students work with these young learners to improve critical language and literacy skills while gaining valuable experience in a mutually beneficial relationship.

C-SC faculty members Cindy Whiston, Lacy Harrison and Uhlmeyer completed LETRS Vol. 1 training during the 2022-23 school year and are on track to complete Vol. 2 in May 2024. Uhlmeyer has been trained as a LETRS Vol. 1 facilitator and will train the undergraduate students.

For more information about Culver-Stockton College and this program, go to culver.edu.

Admissions questions can be directed to the admission department, 573-288-6000 or admission@culver.edu.