Leveling the Playing Field: Support for Struggling Readers in a Blended Learning Environment
Monday, January 11, 2021 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST
Presented by Kathleen Colburn, Senior Product Manager, Read&Write; and Diana Petschauer, Managing Director and AT Consultant, Assistive Technology for Education
Sponsored by Texthelp
GET THE RECORDINGThe recording will be posted on this page after the live session. Closed captioning will be added to the recording within 2 weeks of the live presentation.
To say that things have been in flux over this past year is an understatement. The everyday learning environment has taken on a whole new meaning as you and your students have pivoted from in-person, to remote, to hybrid learning (and have sometimes bridged these gaps multiple times). Many students lost almost a full semester of learning; some lost more. And while no child has gone unaffected by these educational gaps, those who were struggling prior to school closures have been hit the hardest, further widening already-existing literacy achievement gaps. It’s now urgent that we move forward from these learning losses, and ensure that every child, especially those who struggle most, has the most essential building block for their literacy journey—a strong foundation for reading.
Join Diana Petschauer, Managing Director and AT Consultant, Assistive Technology for Education, and Texthelp’s Kathleen Colburn, Senior Product Manager, as they explore strategies and tools to empower struggling readers in a blended learning environment. During this edWebinar you will:
- Uncover best practices to motivate students to engage with reading in any environment, promoting confidence and a positive growth mindset
- Explore multiple free technologies that can help to close reading achievement gaps and work alongside students’ everyday Learning Management Systems and devices
- Take a deeper dive into Read&Write, a literacy support toolbar that can help struggling readers create and engage with content across all grade levels, subjects and interfaces (web, Google Docs, exams, and more!). Plus Read&Write is completely free for teachers.
This edWebinar will be of interest to kindergarten through middle school teachers and school and district leaders. There will be time for questions at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenters
Kathleen Colburn is a senior product manager at Texthelp, an industry leader in literacy and STEM software. In her six years with the company, she has served in roles ranging from supporting teacher and student end users, to her current position working directly with the software development team to shape the product roadmap. Outside of her role at Texthelp, Kathleen is a Google Certified Trainer, earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Tufts University, and has taught and tutored students in high school math and college entrance exam preparation.
Diana Petschauer, M.Ed., ATP is a RESNA certified Assistive Technology Professional and Managing Director of AT for Education, ATforED.com. She manages her team of expert consultants who provide evaluations, consult and training to students and adults as well as professional development for professionals and families. Prior to ATforED, Diana was the AT specialist at UNH, supporting students transitioning to higher education with AT and accommodations. She started her career in public school special education. Diana presents often on AT and literacy intervention to provide multi-sensory support for dyslexia or LD.
Dyalekt is an MC, educator, playwright, actor and radio host from St. Croix, USVI. He has promoted and celebrated the power of the spoken word in schools and on stages around the world. He uses his unique brand of Hip Hop education to empower students from grades K-Grad school, and provides training for teachers, writers, performers and professionals. He's the co-host of Brunch & Budget on Bondfire Radio, and has recently been using that platform to teach Hip Hop and finance workshops to high school and college students. His curricula are rap albums/are plays, and he is a member of the Public Theater's Emerging Writer's group as well as a Hip Hop artist with several records and tours under his belt. He wants to cypher with you. Dyalekt.com 
