Professional Development Initiative in Evidence-Based Adult Reading Instruction
STudent Achievement in Reading (STAR) is a national professional development initiative for adult reading instruction created by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE). Since 2001, STAR has supported more than 20 states and local programs in their efforts to improve adult reading achievement by implementing evidence-based reading instruction (EBRI).
Program administrators and state leaders participating in STAR are provided with a training experience that meets their needs and prepares them to support instructor participants in EBRI implementation. STAR is intended for instructors teaching intermediate-level adult learners (grade level equivalent 4.0 – 8.9).
The training is based on research summarized in the report Research-based Principles for Adult Basic Education Reading Instruction (published by the Partnership for Reading and written by John Kruidenier). STAR helps its state partners align professional development programming to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Sec. 223 requirements.
What’s New?
STAR training is now on the Literacy Information and Communication System (LINCS) platform! This exciting change provides easier access to training, resources, and support. STAR will remain a state initiative, and training will be available to states and their identified participants with the support of national STAR trainers. Plus, a new Administrator’s Track has been added to support nonteaching administrators with STAR training.
STAR Research Synthesis
The STAR Research Synthesis provides the field with up-to-date information on promising practices, challenges, and new developments in the science of reading that adult education instructors and administrators can use in EBRI implementation.
DOWNLOAD THE LATEST RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
STAR Training Overview
STAR is a facilitated, online training for instructors in local adult education programs. STAR training includes two virtual,
synchronous meetings plus 30 interactive and self-paced online modules that include activities that are put into practice in the classroom.
Training features:
- Interactive online learning for training participants
- Training in diagnostic reading assessment
- Virtual portfolio
- Action planning with program team
- Supportive community of peers
- Quick access to research, tools, and techniques
Through the trainer certification and recertification process, states can build a cadre of certified trainers, resulting in cost-effective expansion and maintenance of the STAR initiative. STAR trainers are required to be recertified every 3 years.
Engage with STAR Training
Local programs should check with their state professional development lead for access to the STAR network. For more information on bringing STAR to your state, please contact the project team at starsupport@lincs.ed.gov.
Through the STAR network, states can engage with other STAR partners and access a suite of materials to help implement and maintain the STAR initiative. See how the STAR network is using the program to build state capacity:
Through STAR training, states can access the latest reading research, highlights on STAR programs, student success stories and more. To learn more about the STAR initiative and available resources, please contact the project team at starsupport@lincs.ed.gov.
Local Program Resources
Looking for additional resources? Explore this quick reference guide to training available through LINCS for instructors, local programs, and states.