This three-hour course is based on the foundation of effective reading (e.g., the five essential components of reading) as outlined in the National Reading Panel’s recommendations. The components include: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.  This course explains how these areas as they relate to student skill level help/hinder pupils in their learning process.  The course will also recommend strategies/methods for differentiation that focus on teacher explicit instruction, effective assessment, teacher collaboration, and student involvement.