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Reading Comprehension Starts with Sounds: Using Phonology to Connect Home Languages and English

Wednesday, October 23, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT

Reading Comprehension Starts with Sounds: Using Phonology to Connect Home Languages and English

Presented by Antonio A. Fierro, Ed.D., Vice President of Professional Learning and Academics, 95 Percent Group; and Maya Goodall, Chief Strategy Officer, CORE Learning
Moderated by Kristie Shelley, Chief Product Officer, CORE Learning

Sponsored by CORE Learning

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Language systems are interconnected, and for multilingual learners, their home languages actively shape how they acquire English. Recognizing and building upon these connections is crucial to providing meaningful instruction. In this edWebinar with Dr. Antonio Fierro, we explore how phonology—the study of speech sounds—strengthens structured literacy by tapping into these relationships. Through cross-linguistic transfer, phonology helps students build on the strengths of their home languages, enabling them to apply those skills to their English literacy development.

Dr. Fierro’s career focus on positionality—a well-known concept in cognitive science that explains how students juggle the cognitive demands of learning multiple languages—ties all of this work together. While widely recognized in research, it hasn’t yet made its way into most classrooms. This session aims to change that. We show how positionality helps educators better recognize the connections between students’ languages and apply this understanding to structured literacy.

In this second session of CORE Learning’s Structured Literacy and Language Diversity Week: Fall ‘24 Series, you gain practical, evidence-based practices for using phonology and cross-linguistic transfer, along with tools to advocate for policies that fully address the needs of multilingual learners. Leave equipped and empowered to ensure multilingual learners thrive within the Science of Reading framework.

This recorded edWebinar is of interest to PreK-12 teachers, school leaders, and district leaders.

Antonio Fierro

About the Presenters

Dr. Antonio A. Fierro is the Vice President of Professional Learning and Academics with the 95 Percent Group and co-author of Kid Lips, a phonetics curriculum for young children. For almost 20 years, Dr. Fierro was a member of the national LETRS cohort of literacy consultants led by Dr. Louisa Moas. He has also led many initiatives nationwide to improve instruction for English learners. Dr. Fierro currently sits on the national board of The Reading League and the advisory board of LETRS 3rd edition. Dr. Fierro is a former Texas State Teacher of the Year.

Maya Goodall

Maya Valencia Goodall, M.A., M.Ed. is a pioneering force in education, driven by a singular mission: to ensure that every student, regardless of their linguistic background, receives the literacy and language instruction they both need and deserve. As a co-founder of Lingual Learning and co-creator of Lexia English within Rosetta Stone/Lexia Learning, her journey has been defined by innovation, impact, and unwavering dedication to empowering diverse learners. Today, she continues to shape the educational landscape as a leader in the design and enhancement of OL&LA (Online Literacy and Language Academy) at CORE Learning. Maya’s legacy is a testament to her extraordinary commitment to educational excellence.

Kristie Shelley

About the Moderator

As Chief Product Officer, Kristie Shelley leads, develops, and implements the strategic vision for CORE’s digital products, leveraging over two decades of experience in the publishing and edtech sectors. Her expertise centers on seamlessly integrating cutting-edge tools and technology into product development and practical application, ensuring CORE remains at the innovation forefront. Previously, Kristie developed products for multilingual learners at Lexia and Lingual Learning, a company she co-founded and later sold to Rosetta Stone. She also held multiple roles at MHE before this entrepreneurial venture.

Kristie’s educational journey began as a third-grade teacher in California, providing her with invaluable firsthand experience and a profound appreciation for transformative learning. Her deep passion for empowering learners and educators motivates her to continuously push boundaries and innovate. She holds a B.A. in education from San Diego State University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instructional design from the University of Phoenix.

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

Join the Language and Literacy community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.


CORE Learning

For 25+ years, CORE has pioneered evidence-based and research-grounded professional learning experiences and school supports that equip educators with the tools they need to advance rigorous instruction, high-quality materials, and effective assessments. CORE partners with educators to strengthen the foundations of teaching and learning, ensuring all students experience a rigorous, relevant, and inclusive public education.


Structured Literacy Works for Multilingual Learners. We've Got the Proof.

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