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Strengthening Language and Literacy for Students with Reading Difficulties
Developed in partnership with Sprout Labs, the series explores the foundational role of oral language and phonological awareness, deepens participants' understanding of dyslexia, and highlights effective strategies for partnering with families to promote literacy.
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What You'll Get from Each Session
Oral Language and Phonological Awareness: Foundations for Reading Development
Instructional Level: Introductory ASHA CEUs: 0.10
This course examines the relationship between oral language development, phonological deficits, and reading acquisition, with an emphasis on the connections among Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, and literacy outcomes.
Oral language and phonological awareness are foundational to reading success, yet many children with language and speech sound disorders are at increased risk for later reading difficulties. This course examines the relationship between oral language development, phonological deficits, and reading acquisition, with an emphasis on the connections among Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, and literacy outcomes. Participants will explore current evidence on early identification and learn practical, evidence-based strategies that speech-language pathologists can use to strengthen phonological and phonemic awareness skills that support reading development.
Speakers: Eileen Catizone and Karin Hartunian Koukeyan
LEARNER OBJECTIVES:
- Explain the relationship between oral language development, phonological deficits, and their impact on reading acquisition and long-term literacy outcomes.
- Analyze the relationship among Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), speech sound disorders, and reading difficulties to inform early identification and intervention.
- Apply evidence-based practices that speech-language pathologists can use to strengthen phonological and phonemic awareness skills that support reading development.
TIME-ORDERED AGENDA:
- 0:00–0:05 Introduction and Overview
- 0:05–0:20 Oral Language, Phonological Development, and Reading Acquisition
- 0:20–0:35 Developmental Language Disorder, Speech Sound Disorders, and Reading Difficulties
- 0:35–0:55 Evidence-Based Strategies to Support Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
- 0:55–1:00 Summary, Clinical Applications, and Questions
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Dyslexia: What does it mean?
Instructional Level: Introductory ASHA CEUs: 0.10
This course provides an overview of the characteristics of dyslexia, current diagnostic considerations, and the updated International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences impacting reading development, yet misconceptions continue to influence identification, assessment, and educational support. This course provides an overview of the characteristics of dyslexia, current diagnostic considerations, and the updated International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition of dyslexia. Participants will explore how current research informs identification and educational practice while examining common myths and misconceptions to support accurate understanding, effective collaboration, and informed decision-making for students with dyslexia.
Speakers: MaryKate DeSantis and Eileen Catizone
LEARNER OBJECTIVES:
- Describe the characteristics of dyslexia and how it is diagnosed.
- Explain the updated International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition of dyslexia and discuss its implications for identification, assessment, and educational practice.
- Criticize myths and misconceptions to promote accurate understanding and informed decision-making.
TIME-ORDERED AGENDA:
- 0:00–0:05 Introduction and Overview
- 0:05–0:25 Characteristics and Diagnosis of Dyslexia
- 0:25–0:40 Updated IDA Definition of Dyslexia and Implications for Practice
- 0:40–0:55 Myths, Misconceptions, and Evidence-Based Understanding
- 0:55–1:00 Summary, Application, and Questions
Strategies for Professionals to Help Promote Reading in the Home Environment
Instructional Level: Introductory ASHA CEUs: 0.10
In this webinar, we will explore effective ways to support literacy development by focusing on building language abilities.
The worlds of language development and literacy are heavily intertwined. One aspect that can be overlooked when working on reading skills is the importance of language. In this webinar, we will explore effective ways to support literacy development by focusing on building language abilities. This informative session is crafted to provide attendees with practical strategies to use in their clinical practice as well as tips to support growth at home.
Speakers: Sydney Bassard, and Eileen Catizone
LEARNER OBJECTIVES:
- List the components of structured reading intervention
- Describe evidence-based activities professionals can use to strengthen oral language, phonological awareness, decoding, and reading comprehension skills
- Discuss strategies that professionals can share with families to support children's language and literacy development through everyday routines, conversations, and shared reading experiences
TIME-ORDERED AGENDA:
- 0:00–0:05 Introduction and Session Overview
- 0:05–0:20 Building an Evidence-Based Home Reading Program
- 0:20–0:40 Evidence-Based Activities to Support Reading Development
- 0:40–0:55 Practical Strategies for Everyday Language and Literacy Support
- 0:55–1:00 Key Takeaways and Q&A
Meet Your Speakers
Eileen Catizone, M.Ed., is an educational consultant, curriculum developer, professional development leader, as well as reading specialist addressing students' literacy needs. She has extensive teaching experience as both a classroom teacher and reading specialist for grades PreK through 8th. As an Orton-Gillingham and IDA Dyslexia Practitioner, Eileen translates struggling readers' scores into evidence-based practices that can be carried out through targeted remediation. She continues to teach students with dyslexia and serve as an educational consultant to schools and families. Eileen is currently the Head of Literacy at Sprout Labs, Inc.
Financial: Eileen Catizone, M.Ed. is a paid advisor for Sprout Labs.
Non-Financial: Eileen has no other relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Sydney Bassard, MSP, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist specializing in working with individuals who are Deaf and hard of hearing and literacy. She owns The Listening SLP, her private practice and social media brand. Sydney was noted as a Distinguished Early Career Professional in 2020 and an Innovator in 2023 for her work centered on health information equity. Through her social media page, she engages with professionals and parents on the topics of hearing loss and literacy. In 2026, Sydney had the privilege of serving as one of the topic co-chairs for the Literacy Assessment and Intervention topic for the 2026 ASHA Convention.
Financial: Sydney is the owner of The Listening SLP. Sydney receives compensation from The Listening SLP. Sydney received an honorarium for this presentation.
Non-Financial: Sydney is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Karin “Careen” Hartunian Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP, is founder of SpeechFit, a speech-language pathology practice providing clinical, corporate, and consulting services. With over 25 years of experience across healthcare, education, private practice, and telehealth, she specializes in communication, professional development, and leadership. A telepractice pioneer since 2010, Karin coaches professionals to strengthen communication effectiveness, executive presence, and confidence. She regularly presents at state and national conferences and develops educational content on communication, telepractice, and professional growth. Karin serves as Secretary-Treasurer on the CSHA Board and as 2026 Co-Chair of the ASHA Telepractice Convention Program Committee.
Financial: Karin Hartunian Koukeyan, MS, CCC-SLP is the founder and owner of SpeechFit. She is the Continuing Education Consultant at Parallel Learning.
Non-Financial: Karin is a current board member and the Secretary-Treasurer 2025-27 for California Speech-Language Hearing Association and the Topic Co-Chair for ASHA 2026 Telepractice.
MaryKate DeSantis is a doctoral fellow in Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education and the founder of Left Side Strong LLC. Her work focuses on language and literacy development, early identification, and translating research into inclusive, evidence-based instruction and intervention.
MaryKate’s experience spans education, research, and clinical settings. She has served as a special educator, reading specialist, and district-wide literacy coach in a large urban school district. Her research experience includes the Speech, Language, and Literacy Lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and an ongoing collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education to develop literacy interventions for students at risk. She has also worked as a clinician in the Neurology Department at Boston Children’s Hospital and currently teaches at Boston College.
Across these roles, MaryKate is committed to strengthening collaboration among SLPs, educators, researchers, and families to improve outcomes for children with language and literacy needs.
Financial: MaryKate DeSantis is the founder and owner of Left Side Strong LLC.
Non-Financial: MaryKate DeSantis is a research collaborator with OxEd & Assessment and will discuss examples involving OxEd products during this presentation.
In order to receive a certificate of completion and/or be reported to ASHA for CEUs, learners will be expected to:
- Attend the entire live webinar
- Attendance will be tracked through Zoom reports
- Be sure to join with the email address attached to your registration
- No partial credit will be awarded
- Complete and submit a self-assessment evaluation within 3 business days
Parallel Learning strives to provide evidence-based content for its participants. Should a participant have concerns with the quality or content of a course, please
contact. All complaints need to be provided in writing and will be addressed in 30 days.