edWebinars
«Back to all edWebinarsA Deep Dive Into Language Comprehension: Research and Classroom Implications
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
Presented by Molly Ness, Ph.D., Author and Teacher Educator, Dirigo Literacy; and Angela Cammarata, M.Ed., National Literacy Consultant, Zaner-Bloser
Sponsored by Zaner-Bloser
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Scarborough’s Reading Rope (2001) remains a current and significant theoretical model in applying the Science of Reading in educational settings.
In this edWebinar, Dr. Molly Ness will identify the importance of the Reading Rope for reading education, examine the strands of the rope, and offer strategies and techniques that support their effective implementation in primary classrooms. She will explicitly explore each strand of the language comprehension portion of the rope—background knowledge, vocabulary knowledge, language structures, verbal reasoning, and literacy knowledge.
Attendees of this edWebinar will:
- Learn about the Reading Rope and current research on language comprehension
- Discover the instructional implications of this research on classroom practice
- Gain ideas for teaching language comprehension skills using read alouds, think alouds, explicit instruction, discussion, and more
Following Dr. Ness’s presentation, Angela Cammarata will provide a short preview of the new edition of Zaner-Bloser’s comprehensive English language arts curriculum, The Superkids Reading Program. K–2 teachers and school and district leaders are invited to join us as we explore the research and how best to apply it to reading instruction. Attendees will leave with Dr. Ness’s new white paper, Building Language Comprehension for Readers in Grades K–2.
About the Presenters
Dr. Molly Ness is a former classroom teacher, a reading researcher, and a teacher educator. She earned a doctorate in reading education at the University of Virginia and spent 16 years as an Associate Professor at Fordham University in New York City. The author of six books, Dr. Ness served on the Board of Directors for the International Literacy Association and is a New York State chapter founder of The Reading League. She has extensive experience directing reading clinics, consulting with school districts, leading professional development, and advising school systems on research-based reading instruction. A frequent speaker and presenter, she finds enjoyment in translating the Science of Reading to educators. In 2024, she founded Dirigo Literacy, a literacy consulting firm helping schools, districts, and states align with and implement the Science of Reading.
Angela Cammarata, M.Ed., is the National Literacy Consultant for Zaner-Bloser and The Superkids Reading Program. She has more than 20 years of experience in literacy education, serving as a classroom teacher; literacy coach; curriculum, instruction, and assessment specialist; school administrator; and adjunct professor. She is passionate about developing and delivering professional learning focused on improving student outcomes by bridging Science of Reading research and implementation of evidence-based instructional practices.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
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Zaner-Bloser develops curriculum resources to teach foundational literacy and math skills to students in prekindergarten through sixth grade. Our resources help teachers engage and empower students and inspire more “aha” moments to harness the creative power of learning. As a member of the Highlights Family of Companies, we believe children are the most important people, so we strive to always do what’s right for children and to make a significant contribution to their education.
