The Runway to Reading

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Course Summary

The Runway to Reading is an online course that walks you through the entire process of teaching reading: from assessment and goal selection to instruction. You will learn how to incorporate evidence-based strategies and techniques tailored specifically to your students, ensuring that you have the necessary skills to address their unique learning needs. By completing this course, you will gain confidence in your ability to create engaging, effective, and inclusive lessons that foster language development and literacy skills for your students with autism.

Looking for School Licenses?

Ask your administration to cover the cost of the Runway to Reading! We accept purchase orders and can provide a School License for your team. Contact us to learn more about this option & group pricing!

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What This Course Includes

  • img5 modules with over 30 video lessons
  • imgEach topic is broken into short, actionable videos
  • imgConcepts are explained in a user-friendly way
  • imgReady to use templates, assessments, and visual tools
  • img6 continuing education hours upon completion (BACB & ASHA included)

Here’s a peek into the Runway to Reading

Module 1:
Assessment
  • imgDetermine the current reading skill set of each of your learners
  • imgIdentify the struggles your learners face with reading
  • imgIncludes 4 video training lessons & 8 downloadable resources
Module 2:
The Process
  • imgStudy the 5 foundational components of reading & how they fit into the 3-Part Literacy Framework
  • imgReceive a complete overview of how to cohesively teach reading
  • imgIncludes 4 video training lessons & 4 downloadable resources
Module 3:
Planning & Setup
  • imgPrepare your classroom, materials, and resources for effective instruction
  • imgDevelop a strong foundation for success through scheduling, organization, and lesson planning
  • imgIncludes 6 video training lessons & 30+ downloadable resources
Module 4:
Implementation
  • imgImplement the 3-Part Literacy Framework
  • imgFocus on actionable strategies, data collection techniques, and options for individualization
  • imgIncludes 10 video training lessons & 50+ downloadable resources
Module 5:
Data, Progress, & Staff Training
  • imgLearn how to analyze your reading data and make data-based decisions
  • imgEstablish an effective staff training plan to get your team on board
  • imgIncludes 5 video training lessons & 4 downloadable resources

Want even more literacy resources?

Learn the evidence-based best practices for teaching reading then utilize these tools to put those strategies into action. All included passages have been professionally leveled by Lexile. Each of these toolkits are designed to be use as supplementary content to the Runway to Reading.

The Informal Reading Assessment

This informal running record style assessment will help you determine what level each student is reading at. This assessment includes multiple differentiation options so the assessment is accessible to students with and without verbal language. The Informal Reading Assessment

  • Provides you with 3 differentiation options for reading comprehension
  • Gives you the data sheets, scoring guide, and detailed instructions you need to be successful
  • Comes with 30+ passages with 2 options for each level range at the BR50L - 1000L level
LEARN MORE
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The Beginning Reading Instructional Bundle

This instructional bundle is for students reading at a beginner level (preschool - kindergarten). The mini-books in this toolkit come with options for verbal or written comprehension, rubrics, phonics, grammar, and vocabulary extensions. This bundle includes:

  • 20 mini-books at the BR90-90L level
  • Activities that require minimal writing skills
  • Visual response options & 12 centers for independent or guided work
  • 20 reading passages + extension activities
LEARN MORE
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The Primary Reading Instructional Bundle

This instructional bundle is for students reading at a primary level or reading at 1st – 3rd-grade level. The passages in this toolkit come with options for verbal or written comprehension, rubrics with aligned scoring concepts, and word recognition extension activities. This bundle includes:

  • 30 passages at the 190L - 700L level
  • 10 centers for independent or guided work
  • Visual and verbal response options
  • Extension activities for each passage
LEARN MORE
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The Elementary Reading Instructional Bundle

This instructional bundle is for students reading at an elementary level or reading at 4th – 6th-grade level. The passages in this toolkit come with options for verbal or written comprehension, rubrics with aligned focus concepts, and extension activities. This bundle includes:

  • 30 passages at the 700L - 1000L level
  • 12 centers for independent or guided work
  • Visual and verbal response options
  • Extension activities for each passage
LEARN MORE
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Tour the Course Portal

Testimonials from Past Course Participants

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“Sasha is very relatable and you can tell that she’s ‘been there, done that!’ My favorite part is how she manages to explain and give examples within each short clip. I like that I can break the course up to fit my schedule.”

- Dana
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“I enjoyed every part- even the scary things like 'assessment' because Sasha takes the 'fear' away by walking us through what needs to be done. My biggest takeaway is that there is a runway to reading which can be generated by useful data from the student AND it does not have to be time-consuming to gather data!"

- Erin
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“My favorite thing about this course is the holistic nature of it. It not only covers instruction, but also behavior and staff development, which don’t always get covered in teacher trainings. I love the option to listen to audio-only as well!”

-Hilary
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“I love that this course includes lots of examples and video models for aspects of the program. The visuals are amazing and I love all the detail down to organization and environmental setup. It was truly well thought out and thorough!”

- Ginny

Accessibility

The Runway to Reading can be taken on a computer, phone, or tablet through The Autism Helper App & Network! This allows you to take the course from wherever you are.

Every aspect of the course is self-paced, allowing you to learn on your schedule. You can listen podcast-style while taking a walk outside, read the transcripts while waiting for your next appointment, or watch with closed captions from anywhere.

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Want to Learn More About Literacy?

Sign up for our FREE webinar: The Literacy Mindset

Teaching reading can be hard as there is so much that goes into effective reading instruction. Join Sasha Long to discover the 3 keys to teaching reading to learners with special needs.

 REGISTER FOR FREE

Runway to Reading FAQs

You have questions, we have answers. Learn more about this course below.

Who is this course for?

This course was created for educators, clinicians, and homeschooling parents who are working on reading skills with their students or children. This course focuses on reading skills between preschool and 6th grade level. If you have students who are older than 6th grade but are reading at a more foundational level, this course will be a good fit. This course will work for general education teachers, special education teachers, self-contained teachers, and resource/inclusion teachers working with learners with autism or special needs. This course will also be valuable for speech-language pathologists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Registered Behavior Techs, and administrators looking to improve their skill set in the area of literacy instruction.

  • Participant will define what literacy is and what are common obstacles to reading for individuals on the spectrum.
  • Participant will define the goals of reading assessments and list 3 strategies for determining the reading level of each learner using either formal or informal assessments.
  • Participant will list the 5 components of reading.
  • Participant will identify relevant reading goals for a range of types of learners.
  • Participant will define 6 strategies for creating an ideal environment for teaching reading by addressing scheduling, setting up the environment, organization, lesson planning, reinforcement, and visual support tools.
  • Participant will create a lesson plan that targets individualized learner goals.
  • Participant will define and identify 5 ways to utilize direct instruction to target reading goals.
  • Participant will identify 2 ways to collect data on direct instruction reading goals.
  • Participant will define and identify 5 ways to utilize fluency instruction to target reading goals.
  • Participant will define how to collect data on fluency instruction reading goals.
  • Participant will define and identify 5 ways to utilize Guided Reading Groups to target reading goals.
  • Participant will identify 3 ways to collect data on Guided Reading Group reading goals.
  • Participant will list the steps to create a Google Form for reading goal analysis.
  • Participant will list the steps in Behavior Skills Training in relation to training team members on reading instructional techniques.
  • Participant will list 3 ways to troubleshoot reading instruction when progress has not been made.

0-10 minutes Introduction

16-49 minutes Module 1: Assessment

49-85 minutes Module 2: The Process

85-162 minutes Module 3: Planning and Setup

162-338 minutes Module 4: Implementation

338-379 minutes Module 5: Data, Progress, Staff Training

You will receive an invite to join The Autism Helper Network within 15 minutes of signing up. Once you’ve set up your account, you will be able to access the course. If you’ve purchased any additional Toolkits, you will receive an additional email with a link to access it, also within 15 minutes of signing up. You will have access to this course for 6 months from the date of purchase.

If you have not received either email within 15 minutes, please check your spam folder first. If you cannot locate them there, please contact us at customerservice@theautismhelper.com

All course content must be watched/completed in its entirety including the course feedback form within 6 months from the date of purchase to receive any continuing education credits. The date on the certificate will match the date you complete all course components. No partial credit will be given.

Teachers

You can earn 6 continuing education credits upon completion of this course. School districts differ in what they will accept as a continuing education credit. It is up to each course participant to confirm that continuing education credits from The Autism Helper, Inc. will be approved by your school district.

BCBAs

Sasha Long, BCBA is an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) provider from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This course provides Type 2 continuing education credits.

Speech-Language Pathologists

ASHA CE Registry Submission: After you complete all course components, you will be directed to fill out a form regarding ASHA CEUs. Once you fill out the form indicating that you would like your participation reported to ASHA, The Autism Helper will prepare to submit your information to the ASHA CE Registry. The Autism Helper submits this completion information monthly [on the 15th of the month]. Please allow three weeks from the submission date by The Autism Helper for the course and ASHA CEUs to appear on your ASHA transcript.

This course is offered for 0.6 ASHA CEUs.
(Introductory Level, Professional Area)

ASHA CE Provider approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products or clinical procedures.

There are 4 toolkit options available. All include passages that have been professionally leveled by Lexile. These resources will never be available on TpT. They will only be sold along with this course. Select the levels based on the reading skills of your students, not their age or grade level.

  • TAH Informal Assessment: A running record style assessment to determine each student’s reading level. Detailed instructions for use are included. The assessment includes multiple options for assessing reading comprehension. Assessment spans Lexile levels BR120L – 1000L.
  • Beginning Literacy Instructional Bundle: This instructional bundle focuses on reading skills for learners reading at levels BR90L – 50L. There are 20 mini books that each include visual comprehension questions, comprehension rubric with visual options, phonics and grammar extensions, and a word recognition and vocabulary extension. Tracing, circling, and copying skills are required to complete the activities. There are also 12 centers included to focus on literacy skills for this level.
  • Primary Instructional Bundle: This instructional bundle focuses on reading skills for learners reading at levels 160L – 690L. There are 30 passages that each include 3 options for comprehension questions (written response, written response choices, or visual choices), comprehension rubric with visual options, a phonics and grammar extension, and a word recognition and vocabulary extension. Writing skills are required to complete the activities. There are also 12 centers included to focus on literacy skills for this level.
  • Elementary Instructional Bundle: This instructional bundle focuses on reading skills for learners reading at levels 730L – 1030L. There are 30 passages that each include 3 options for comprehension questions (written response, written response choices, or visual choices), comprehension rubric with visual options, a phonics and grammar extension, and a word recognition and vocabulary extension. Writing skills are required to complete the activities. There are also 12 centers included to focus on literacy skills for this level.

If you’re experiencing technical issues, please contact us at customerservice@theautismhelper.com.

The Autism Helper, Inc. is committed to providing equal opportunities in accordance with all applicable laws. If you are in need of a disability-related accommodation, please contact customerservice@theautismhelper.com.We will review your request and respond in a timely manner. Please note that we will require a minimum of 4 weeks to provide a reasonable accommodation for your request.

In the event a purchaser is not satisfied with a course, they can request a full refund via email to customerservice@theautismhelper.com.The Autism Helper strives to respond to all refund emails within 24 business hours. The Autism Helper will issue a full refund within 7-14 days from the date of purchase, dependent upon the amount of content consumed by the purchaser. If more than 25% of the course content was consumed, no refund will be issued. Once you have canceled you will no longer have access to any content of the course.

In the event The Autism Helper is unable to host a course for any reason, all associated costs and fees will be refunded to the purchasers. In the event that The Autism Helper must reschedule the start of a course and the new date is unsatisfactory to the purchaser, a full refund of costs and fees will be issued upon the purchaser’s request to customerservice@theautismhelper.com.

We’d love to hear your feedback and answer your questions! You can send them to customerservice@theautismhelper.com. We strive to respond to all feedback and question emails within 48 business hours. There is also a mandatory feedback form related to this course at the end of the course.

Financial Disclosures: Sasha Long is the founder and owner of The Autism Helper, Inc. She receives payment from the sales of all products and courses on this site.

Non-Financial Disclosures: There are no relevant non-financial disclosures.