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Overview

Join us for this year’s Summer Book Study as we explore Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives by Timothy Shanahan.

For years, educators have been encouraged to match students with texts at their “instructional level.” But what if that well-intentioned practice is actually limiting student growth?

In this thought-provoking book, Shanahan challenges the widespread use of leveled reading and presents research-based evidence for why students benefit from engaging with grade-level text, when given the right support. He explores the history of reading instruction, examines current outcomes, and offers practical strategies to help students successfully navigate more complex material.

About the Book Study 

This interactive, four-week virtual book study will combine guided discussion with practical application.

Each session will include:

• Focused conversation around key ideas from the text
• Small group work to explore scaffolding strategies
• Opportunities to apply concepts directly to your instructional setting

Whether you’re in a classroom, working in small groups, or tutoring one-on-one, you’ll leave with clear, actionable ways to support students in reaching grade-level reading expectations.

On the final session, participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from the author, Timothy Shanahan.

Practical Materials:

To support your learning throughout the Book Study, participants will receive:

• A Study Guide in advance to help focus reading and prepare for each session
• Access to activities and exercises used during sessions
• Fully virtual access, allowing participation from nearly any location

For a preview of Shanahan’s perspective on grade-level reading, we encourage you to view his interview with Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift, Director of Professional Learning at Learning Without Tears.

About the Author

Timothy Shanahan, PhD, is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he was Founding Director of the UIC Center for Literacy. Previously, he was director of reading for the Chicago Public Schools. He is author/editor of more than 300 publications on literacy education. His research emphasizes the improvement of reading achievement, teaching reading with challenging text, reading-writing relationships, and disciplinary literacy.
Tim is past president of the International Literacy Association. He served as a member of the Advisory Board of the National Institute for Literacy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, and he helped lead the National Reading Panel. He was inducted to the Reading Hall of Fame in 2007, and he is a former first-grade teacher.

Dates and Times

Four Wednesdays this summer at 7:00 – 8:30, Eastern Daylight Time

June 24
July 1
July 8
July 15 – with special guest, Timothy Shanahan

All meetings take place virtually.

CEU Contact Hours and Certificates

Participants may earn Act 48, ALTA, CERI, IMSLEC, and Wilson contact hours.

• Earn 1.5 contact hours per session attended, for a maximum of 6 hours
• Attendance and completion of the required session form are necessary to receive credit
• Partial credit will be awarded based on sessions attended.
• Participants are encouraged to attend all sessions due to the interactive nature of the Book Study

Additional opportunities:

• Earn up to 1.5 contact hours for one missed session by viewing the recording and submitting the follow-up form by July 24
• Complete an optional assignment to earn 1 additional contact hour

Certificates & Reporting Timeline:

• Act 48 hours will be submitted the week of July 27
• Certificates of completion will be emailed the week of August 10
• Expedited certificates are available for a $5 administrative fee and will be delivered by 5 pm on July 29

Registration and Cost

IDA Members: $30
Non-IDA Members: $40
Students: $20

Register Now!

Registration Terms:

• Cancellations prior to June 1 will incur a $15 processing fee
• Cancellations on or after June 1 are non-refundable
• This Book Study will be recorded. Participants may choose whether to have their camera on or off during sessions

Purchasing the Text

Participants are responsible for purchasing their own copy of Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives by Timothy Shanahan prior to the start of the Book Study.