STAR Reading

STAR Reading

STAR Training is returning to Wisconsin.
Should YOUR program participate?

Are your intermediate level readers stuck? Do you have instructors who teach reading, but aren’t certified as reading teachers? WIOA law specifies that “the essential components of reading instruction” be incorporated into instruction including alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Do you know how to do this?

STAR Training starts on October 20th, 2023

Registration is closed.

Registration fee: $100 ( includes printed materials, breakfast and lunch during in-person meetings).

Who should participate?

• AE, ELL, and General Education instructors working with adult students reading at grades 4 – 8.9 (NRS (National Reporting System) levels 3 and 4) throughout the training because part of the training is implementing what is learned in your classroom. ELL students need to have a TABE reading test and score at an adult education reading equivalency of 4 – 8.9.
• Directors and instructional leaders who oversee program implementation and development.

Space is limited. We are recruiting 6 – 8 local program teams to participate in STAR training. We recommend that each team include an administrator (or someone with authority to make decisions  and changes) and one or more instructors per program team. Instructors who have taken STAR training in the past are welcome to take the training again to reenergize their instructional practices.

How do we apply?

Complete the application as a program team. Please submit applications by September 20th. The groups will be decided based on responses to application questions, support and buy-in from the program, commitment, and appropriate levels of students. If applications exceed the number of available spaces, priority will be given to AEFLA-funded programs.
We are also looking for individuals who might like to become certified STAR trainers to train in Wisconsin in future years. If you or one of your instructors is interested, please contact cristina.parente@wtcsystem.edu​

What is STAR?

STudent Achievement in Reading (STAR) is a comprehensive reading reform initiative for implementing evidence-based reading instruction for intermediate-level adult learners. In this comprehensive training, learn how to use evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) strategies and practices appropriate to this intermediate level that will enable you to support readers in making measurable gains. STAR training takes place over several months and covers elements critical to effective reading instruction, including diagnostic assessment, differentiation, and specific strategies for teaching the four components of reading—alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

For more information on STAR training see Student Achievement in Reading (STAR)LINCS

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:

• Conduct diagnostic assessments of reading

• Group students and differentiate instruction according to instructional needs based on the results of the diagnostic assessments

• Organize an instructional reading routine

• Plan and deliver evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI) in the essential components of reading—fluency, alphabetics, vocabulary, and comprehension—for intermediate level AE learners (GLE 4–8.9)

• Use explicit instruction methodologies

• Monitor and adjust instruction as students’ needs change

• Revise programmatic structures that support STAR implementation

What is involved in the training?

This is an intense training spread over 6 months. There are three – one day in-person meetings and 23 online modules that you will work through on your own. The modules are engaging and interactive and contain resources and video clips of techniques in action in adult education classrooms. Some modules include assignments to try out what you learned in your classroom and sharing plans and reflections about that implementation.

#1 In-person meeting- October 20th- WTCS Office, Madison
Ongoing: Participants work on diagnostic assessments and complete assignments in LMS asynchronously at their institutions

#2 December 1, Friday, full day in person

Ongoing: Participants work on teaching lessons and complete assignments in LMS asynchronously at their institutions

#3 March 1, Friday, full day in person

Ongoing: Participants work on implementation and complete assignment in LMS asynchronously at their institutions

What support will be available?

STAR trainers will support the programs throughout the training through virtual meetings and check-ins.
• A complete, 4 component, diagnostic assessment kit will be provided by STAR.
• Food during the in-person training sessions.
• Certificate of completion.
• This training counts toward FQAS (Faculty Quality Assurance System) Teaching Methodologies. Contact your supervisor for approval.

What support will your institution be required to provide:

• Registration fee: $100 per participant
• Additional time and effort are to be covered by substitutes to replace those attending training events, additional planning time, follow-up support activities, and other instructional or professional resources.
• Mileage and lodging to attend the in-person meetings.
Coaching will be provided by a nationally certified STAR trainer.

FQAS Competency: Teaching Methods and Technology

Questions? Email Cristina Parente