Dr. Anika Paaren-Sdano, Assistant Professor in the School of Education, presented “The Science of Reading: An Introduction” at the first annual Small Schools Conference in Lanesboro on October 20th, 2022. Dr. Paaren-Sdano is an Associate level member of the Orton-Gillingham Academy, and certified by the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) as a Dyslexia Interventionist. In attendance were classroom teachers and reading interventionists from school districts across southeast Minnesota. The interactive presentation included critical theoretical models, research findings and hands-on teaching activities all grounded in the Science of Reading. Educators were provided with plentiful resources and collaborative connections for continuing their professional learning journeys in evidence-based best practices in the area of literacy instruction. Dr. Paaren-Sdano is teaching the Science of Reading in undergraduate and graduate literacy courses for Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, preparing future educators to effectively teach reading and writing to all students, thus addressing the long-term negative impacts of low literacy and illiteracy. Please reach out to Dr. Paaren-Sdano with any questions or connections at apaarens@smumn.edu.
