Structured Literacy I will utilize systematic, explicit and cumulative direct instruction in two broad areas: word recognition (phonological awareness, decoding and sight recognition) and language comprehension (background knowledge, vocabulary, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge). Instruction in this course will emphasize word recognition. This course will employ diagnostic teaching to target gaps in foundational literacy skills that prevent secondary students from accessing grade level curricula. Reading instruction will follow a research-based sequence and will be guided by student performance on diagnostic assessments and frequent progress monitoring. Lessons will foster a sense of self-efficacy, sense of community, and utilizing literacy to achieve goals.