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Adolescent Literacy Research to Practice: Combining HQIM and Evidence-Based Instruction
Thursday, February 12, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Presented by Joan Sedita, Founder and Lead Author, Keys to Literacy; Jillian Roche, Former Teacher, Current Director of Curriculum, Lavinia Group; and Keely Keller, Former Teacher, Current Director of Professional Programs and Author, K12 Coalition
Sponsored by K12 Coalition
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Adolescent literacy in grades 6–12 is a gateway to success across all subject areas. As texts, tasks, and disciplinary demands become more complex, students must integrate reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, and knowledge building in intentional ways. This edLeader Panel brings together Joan Sedita’s expertise in adolescent literacy and Jillian Roche’s expertise in curriculum development to explore what makes literacy instruction in the secondary grades both unique and essential.
Viewers examine why reading and writing instruction must continue beyond the elementary years, why many adolescents struggle with literacy skills, and how instruction should be designed to meet their needs. The session highlights research-based instructional practices, the role of high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) in supporting coherent, grade-level literacy instruction, and the importance of professional learning for content-area teachers. Through authentic examples from ELA classrooms and a focus on cross-disciplinary application, this edLeader Panel supports educators in strengthening literacy outcomes for all adolescents.
Viewers leave with the ability to:
- Make informed decisions about literacy instruction in grades 6–12 by understanding the developmental and instructional needs of adolescent readers and writers
- Design and support coherent literacy systems by distinguishing the roles of core ELA instruction, disciplinary literacy, and targeted intervention
- Strengthen student learning across subjects by intentionally integrating reading and writing into content-area instruction
- Evaluate and select high-quality instructional materials using research-based criteria aligned to effective adolescent literacy practices
- Support teachers more effectively through professional learning that translates evidence-based literacy practices into daily classroom instruction
This recorded edLeader Panel is of interest to teachers, school leaders, and district leaders of grades 6–12.
About the Presenters
Joan Sedita is the founder of Keys to Literacy, a professional development organization dedicated to literacy instruction. With over 45 years of experience in the literacy field, she has served as a teacher, administrator, and teacher trainer. Joan is the creator of The Writing Rope framework and book, the author of Essentials of Adolescent Literacy, and the developer of multiple literacy professional development programs, including The Key Comprehension Routine, The Key Vocabulary Routine, Keys to Beginning Reading, Keys to Content Writing, Keys to Early Writing, and Keys to Adolescent Literacy. From 1975 to 1998, she worked at the Landmark School, a pioneer in the development of literacy intervention programs. Since 1998, Joan has provided literacy training and consultation to hundreds of school districts and departments of education. Joan holds an M.Ed. in reading from Harvard University and a B.A. from Boston College.
Jillian Roche serves as the Director of Curriculum at Lavinia Group, where she led the development of RedThread Literacy, Lavinia Group’s comprehensive K-8 literacy curriculum. In addition to the development of curricula, Jillian also focuses on curriculum implementation in schools, developing trainings for partners and the Lavinia Group consulting team, as well as coaching school leaders. Prior to joining Lavinia Group, Jillian served as a classroom teacher and school leader in secondary schools in New York City and Philadelphia. Jillian holds a master’s degree in middle school education.
Keely Keller is the Director of Professional Programs for K12 Coalition in Eagan, Minnesota. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, a Master of Arts in Education from Hamline University, and additional Director of Special Education and Principal Licensures from the University of Minnesota. Before joining K12 Coalition, Keely served students with special needs as a teacher and subsequently served as a special education coordinator in a suburban Minnesota school district. She taught as an Adjunct Instructor at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and has been developing trainings and providing face-to-face and online professional development for many years. She recently published her first book, Honoring Each Learner: How to Develop Individualized Learning Plans for All Students.
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Join the Literacy and Critical Thinking community to network with educators, participate in online discussions, receive invitations to upcoming edWebinars, and view recordings of previous programs to earn CE certificates.
K12 Coalition is a national education partner helping states, districts, and charter networks build strong educator pipelines, elevate instructional quality, and accelerate student learning. Active in all 50 states and U.S. territories, K12 Coalition has reached over 1.1 million educators and the students they serve. Keys to Literacy and Lavinia Group are two divisions of six that make up K12 Coalition.
