Literacy
Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential
The Lastinger Learning Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential provides accessible, on-demand professional learning at no cost for Florida pre-kindergarten through fifth grade instructional personnel. Learners can work through online modules while implementing classroom strategies in real time and receiving feedback and support from a navigator.
Micro-Credential Overview
The Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential is a three-part hybrid model of instructor-supported online modules and skill-based practicum that can be completed in 11 weeks or fewer. The courses and activities prepare educational staff to:
- Identify literacy difficulties
- Apply evidence-based practices
- Engage in effective progress monitoring and intervention
Eligible Participants
This program is available to pre-kindergarten and kindergarten through grade five public and public charter instructional personnel who have not previously earned a Lastinger Literacy Micro-Credential.
- Teachers
- Paraprofessionals
- Media specialists
- School counselors
- Interventionists
- School administrators
Please note: Learners who have already completed the Emergent, Elementary, or Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential and received a stipend are not eligible to enroll in another Literacy Micro-Credential.
How to Apply
Apply by August 7.
All learners must create an account in our new portal to be able to apply and participate in our programs. Create your account now!
Please see these instructions for help getting started.
Stipend Information
Please visit the Stipends Hub for information about the 2025-26 stipends.
Benefits
- $1,000 completion stipend for eligible instructional and select administrative personnel
- Allows instructional personnel to teach intensive reading intervention, if supervised by an individual who is certified or endorsed in reading
- Satisfies Competency 1 of the Reading Endorsement
Please note: Competencies 2-5 of the Reading Endorsement are completed through the Literacy Matrix - Earn 60 inservice hours/6.0 CEUs
- Satisfies the 40-hour reading requirement for renewal after completion of all three parts
- Learn to analyze grade-level FAST progress monitoring data
- Use assessment data to plan standards-aligned instruction to meet student needs
Timeline
*Learners working toward a reading endorsement in the Literacy Matrix will be required to complete either the Elementary or Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential/Competency 1 as a prerequisite.
Modules
Parts 1, 2, and 3 are now integrated into one streamlined course!
Format: Asynchronous, navigator-supported online modules, completed in three parts.
Expected completion time: 11 weeks with a suggested weekly commitment of 4-5 hours.
*Successful completion of all three parts of the Micro-Credential will earn 60 inservice hours and fulfill the Reading Requirement for certification renewal.
Part 1
The Foundations of Literacy: Science of Reading course covers:
- Oral Language
- Phonological Awareness
- Early and Advanced Decoding
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
*Learners have the option to test out of Part 1 via a pre-assessment. If mastery is earned during the pre-assessment, learners can bypass Part 1 course content and begin in Part 2.
Part 2
Instructional personnel will learn how to provide reading intervention and practice using student data to inform their teaching strategies.
Instructional Practice: Instructional personnel will learn how to provide reading intervention and practice using student data to inform their teaching strategies. Content focuses on:
- Assessment
- Instruction
- Intervention
Part 3
This skill-based practicum provides instructional personnel with case study data, based on either STAR or Cambium progress monitoring assessments, for an individual student from the class profile.
Complete three assignments to demonstrate skills mastery:
Assignment 1: Analyze case study data to determine a student’s intervention needs.
Assignment 2: Develop a lesson plan that meets the needs identified in Assignment 2.
Assignment 3: Video record the lesson from Assignment 2 and reflect on your growth.
Example data sets will be provided for the following grades:
- Kindergarten
- First and Second Grades
- Third Grade
- Fourth and Fifth Grades
IACET Accredited
As an IACET Accredited Provider, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.
Connect With Us
Fill out our Program Interest Form to stay up to date on Lastinger Learning course offerings, or contact us to bring Lastinger Learning programs to your district or organization.