Literacy

Literacy Matrix

The Literacy Matrix, developed in collaboration with the University of Florida Literacy Institute, develops the specialized skills and knowledge teachers need to deliver effective reading instruction.

Program Overview

The Literacy Matrix is an online, asynchronous professional learning system that builds educators’ knowledge of research-supported and evidence-based reading instruction.

This online professional learning system consists of Science of Reading-based training and resources that prepare educators to:

Effectively teach reading

Diagnose reading difficulties

Intervene appropriately using research-based strategies

Participants demonstrate evidence of their learning while receiving personalized feedback from expert literacy navigators.

Eligible Participants

This program is available for free to K-12 educators and coaches in Florida pursuing a pathway to the Reading Endorsement.

Please note: Participation may be contingent upon district approval. Please contact your district representative for more information.

Educators can also register for the Literacy Matrix through the self-pay option, including but not limited to:

Any non-Florida public school educator

Any private charter school, private school, or homeschool educator

Any Florida public school educator who is not able to register due to lack of seats or does not meet eligibility requirements

Benefits

$2,000 stipend for eligible educators who complete Literacy Matrix Competencies 2-5 and successfully apply for their Reading Endorsement.

300 hours of professional learning (60 hours from Competency 1/Literacy Micro-Credential and 240 hours from Competencies 2-5)

Approved pathway to the Florida Reading Endorsement

How to Enroll

Applications are now closed.

To be notified when applications open and to receive updates about other Lastinger Learning programs, please fill out the Program Interest Form.

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Stipend Information

Literacy Matrix Competencies 2-5

Please visit the Stipends Hub for information about the 2025-26 stipends.

Visit Stipends Hub

Timeline

The Literacy Matrix is a 6-month program. Participants are encouraged to commit 10 hours per week on their coursework.

Applications for the Literacy Micro-Credentials (which satisfy Competency 1) are open July 14 – July 25, 2025.

Applications for Literacy Matrix Competencies 2-5 are open July 21 – August 8, 2025. The term begins August 26, 2025.

Format

The Literacy Matrix consists of four courses with several modules in each.

Components

Videos

Handouts

Interactive media elements

Pre- and post-assessments

Required Competencies

The requirements for the Reading Endorsement consist of 5 courses.*

Competency 1: Foundations of Reading Instruction

Foundations of Reading Instruction encompasses the reading process with a focus on developing emergent literacy skills and progressing through the phases of word reading, resulting in comprehension as the final outcome.

Either the Elementary Literacy Micro-Credential or the Secondary Literacy Micro-Credential can be used to satisfy Competency 1.

Course Requirements
• Consists of 3 parts.
• All course content is completed in the course timeline.
• Educators are required to earn a minimum of 80% on the post-assessment in Part 1 and Part 2 to master this course.
• Educators are required to earn a minimum of 80% on course assignments in Part 3.
• Educators receive support from a course navigator as they work through their coursework.

Course Pacing
11 week term

Competency 2: Application of Evidence-based Instructional Practices

Applications of Evidence-based Instructional Practices encompasses the reading process with a focus on understanding and applying intentional, explicit, systematic, and sequential instructional practices for scaffolding the development of oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Course Requirements
• Asynchronous course.
• All course content is completed in the course timeline.
• Educators are required to earn a minimum of 80% on the post-assessment to master this course.
• Educators receive support from a course navigator as they work through their coursework.

Course Pacing
4 week term

Competency 3: Foundations and Applications of Assessment

Foundations and Applications of Assessments encompasses the reading process with a focus on understanding and applying measurement concepts and characteristics of reading assessments, including administering and analyzing data of formative, summative, formal, and informal reading assessments across each component of reading.

Course Requirements
• Asynchronous course.
• All course content is completed in the course timeline.
• Educators are required to earn a minimum of 80% on the post-assessment to master this course.
• Educators receive support from a course navigator as they work through their coursework.

Course Pacing
4 week term

Competency 4: Foundations and Applications of Differentiated Instruction

Foundations and Applications of Differentiated Instruction encompasses the reading process with a focus on understanding and applying differentiated evidence-based reading instruction in oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, ranging from enrichment practices to intensifying interventions.

Course Requirements
• Asynchronous course.
• All course content is completed in the course timeline.
• Educators are required to earn a minimum of 80% on the post-assessment to master this course.
• Educators receive support from a course navigator as they work through their coursework.

Course Pacing
4 week term

Competency 5: Demonstration of Accomplishment

Demonstration of Accomplishment encompasses the reading process with a focus on connecting reading theories, including Adam’s Model of the Reading Process, Ehri’s Phases of Word Recognition Development, the Simple View of Reading, and Scarborough’s Reading Rope to teacher practice in assessment, instruction, and intervention for six primary areas of reading: Oral Language, Phonological Awareness, Early Decoding, Advanced Decoding, Fluency, and Comprehension.

Course Requirements
• Navigator-led course.
• Requires educators to work with a group of 9 students as they complete a series of 4 assignments.
Note: This course requires educators to work directly with a group of 9 students of the same grade level and to record and upload lessons delivered with those students.

Course Pacing
9 week term

*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.

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