We offer PD both in-person and online. Explore upcoming PD opportunities below!
Upcoming Literacy Squared* Professional Development Opportunities
Puebla Summer institute 2025
Dates: June 19-24, 2025 Cost: $3500 per person Audience: K-5 bilingual and dual language teachers and leaders who are new to or experienced with Literacy Squared®. Description: Join us for this powerful 1-week institute designed to build knowledge and skills about the education of emerging bilingual learners. The institute is designed for both novice and experienced K-12 teachers and school administrators.
Faculty, researchers, and professors from the BUENO Center and Literacy Squared® will deliver research-based, engaging, and participatory sessions addressing some of the following topics related to culturally and linguistically diverse learners: biliteracy instruction; English language development; special education; and family and community engagement. Learn more here!
Dates: July 30, 2025 | 8:30-11:30 AM (MST) Cost: $400 per person Audience: K-5 bilingual and dual language teachers and leaders who are new to Literacy Squared® or seeking a refresher. Prerequisite: None Description: This introductory course explores the theoretical foundations of Literacy Squared®, a research-based and research-tested model designed to support biliteracy development in Spanish-English bilingual learners. Participants will examine how bilingualism shapes identity, perception, and cognition, and how to design instruction that values and builds on students’ full linguistic repertoires. The session introduces the Holistic Biliteracy Framework, paired literacy instruction, and assessment practices that reflect what students know and can do across languages.
Lit2 201 (Virtual): Building Biliteracy through Oracy and the Lotta Lara Strategy
Dates: July 31, 2025 | 8:30-11:30 AM (MST) Cost: $400 per person Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework. Prerequisite: Lit2 101 — Core Principles of Literacy Squared: Understanding Holistic Biliteracy Description: This session builds on the foundations of Literacy Squared® by introducing oracy as a central component of the Holistic Biliteracy Framework. Participants will explore the importance of planning for oracy in both Spanish and English instructional contexts. They will learn how to design structured oracy routines that explicitly teach language structures, vocabulary, and dialogue connected to literacy objectives. The session also introduces Literacy Squared’s Lotta Lara strategy—a high-impact approach to developing fluency, comprehension, and oral language through repeated reading and structured oracy practice.
Lit2 301 (Virtual): Strengthening Biliteracy Through theDictado Strategy
Dates: August 6, 2025 | 8:30-11:30 AM (MST) Cost: $400 per person Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework. Prerequisite: Lit2 101 — Core Principles of Literacy Squared: Understanding Holistic Biliteracy Description: This session introduces theDictado, an original Literacy Squared® strategy designed to strengthen students’ biliterate reading and writing by integrating spelling, grammar, punctuation, and language instruction within meaningful literacy contexts. theDictado offers a powerful way to practice foundational skills in context, using connected text and student-friendly routines that build accuracy, fluency, and metalinguistic awareness. Adapted from traditional dictation practices in Latin America and reimagined for bilingual classrooms in the U.S., theDictado supports the reciprocal development of reading and writing while helping students make meaningful connections between Spanish and English. Participants will learn how to plan and implement theDictado as part of their weekly literacy routines.
Lit2 401 (Virtual): Cross-Language Connections and the Así se dice Strategy
Dates: August 7, 2025 | 8:30-11:30 AM (MST) Cost: $400 per person Audience: K–5 bilingual and dual language teachers and instructional leaders implementing the Literacy Squared® framework. Prerequisite: Lit2 101 — Core Principles of Literacy Squared: Understanding Holistic Biliteracy Description: Developing metalinguistic awareness and making intentional cross-language connections are essential components of the Literacy Squared® Holistic Biliteracy Framework. In this session, participants will examine how connecting Spanish and English language environments through paired literacy instruction enhances student learning and supports the development of biliteracy. Educators will explore how to coordinate instruction across languages using backward planning, strategic use of language, and performance-based tasks. The session also introduces Así se dice, an original Literacy Squared® strategy that engages students in analyzing vocabulary, syntax, and meaning across languages through purposeful, text-based translation. Participants will leave with practical tools to support cross-language planning and metalinguistic development in their classrooms.
Developing Your Own Biliterate Reading Trajectory Workshop
Dates: 4 sessions throughout the 2025-2026 school year: September 11, 2025: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM MST
October 30, 2025: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM MST
December 11, 2025: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM MST
February 26, 2026: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM MST
Cost: $1000 per person Audience: Bilingual/Dual language program administrators, data specialists, and instructional leaders (coordinators, coaches, etc.) with prior training in Literacy Squared and biliterate reading trajectories. We encourage district/school teams of at least 2-4 people to participate.
Prerequisite: Yes- Application Process Description: This interactive 4-session workshop supports school and district teams in developing a biliterate reading trajectory. Building on foundational knowledge from Literacy Squared®, participants will learn to collect and organize Spanish and English reading data to create a trajectory tailored to the students in their bilingual/dual language programs.
La Cosecha Pre-Conference Institute:
Stronger Connections, Stronger Biliteracy: Effective Biliteracy Instruction with Literacy Squared®
Dates: November 12, 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico Cost: $215 per person Prerequisite: None Description: Effective biliteracy instruction thrives on strong connections—between reading, writing, oracy, and metalanguage in Spanish and English, and most importantly, with students, families, and communities. Join the Literacy Squared® team for a dynamic, hands-on experience where research meets practice. Participants will engage in a modeled lesson that brings these connections to life and explore strategies to enhance biliteracy development. Leave with fresh insights, practical strategies, and renewed motivation to transform instruction and empower bilingual learners.
*NOTE: The Literacy Squared® model is based on research conducted with students from Spanish-speaking homes enrolled in K-5 one-way bilingual/dual language programs in the U.S. However, many educators working in different dual language models or with students from other language backgrounds have found the framework highly applicable and valuable in their own contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure my spot in a virtual workshop?
Once you click on the “Register Now!” button, you will be taken to a registration page where you can sign up for one or more courses. You will be prompted to enter the number of participants, your contact information, and your payment method (credit card, check, or purchase order). This page will also generate an invoice for your records. Your registration is confirmed only after you submit payment.
What is the refund policy for virtual courses?
Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the session. After that, refunds may be granted for extenuating circumstances. Substitutions are welcome at any time. For refund requests or questions, please contact Jody Slavick at slavick@colorado.edu.
What happens if a course is canceled?
Courses with low enrollment will be canceled 5 business days before the session. In that case, all registration fees will be refunded in full.
Is Lit2 101 required before taking other virtual courses?
Yes. Because Literacy Squared is a research-based and research-tested framework, understanding the theoretical foundations that inform the strategies is essential. Lit2 101 (Virtual): Foundations of Literacy Squared® is a required prerequisite for all other virtual courses. For questions, please contact Jody Slavick at slavick@colorado.edu.
Is Literacy Squared® only for Spanish-English programs?
The Literacy Squared® model was developed through research with students from Spanish-speaking homes enrolled in K–5 one-way bilingual/dual language programs in the U.S. However, many educators serving students in other program models or with different language backgrounds have found the framework highly relevant and adaptable to their own contexts.
Can we receive credit hours for attending these PD sessions?
Yes. Upon completion of each virtual course, participants will receive a certificate of completion that includes the number of professional development hours.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
For questions about professional development or refund requests, please contact Jody Slavick at slavick@colorado.edu.
For questions regarding payment or vendor information, please contact Debra Haffey at debra.haffey@colorado.edu.
Contact us Request for Professional Development
Are you interested in bringing Literacy Squared to your school or district? We are currently receiving inquiries for the 2024-2025 school year.
