Summary: Regional Offering – Paraprofessional Structured Literacy Training

As part of the Minnesota READ Act, the state aims to ensure every child reads at or above grade level, with targeted support for multilingual learners and students receiving special education services. To support this literacy goal, the Act mandates that instructional support staff, defined primarily as paraprofessionals working under a licensed teacher, receive training in evidence-based reading instruction approved by the Minnesota Department of Education.

To meet this requirement, the Regional Literacy Network (RLN) and the Center for Applied Research in Educational Improvement (CAREI) have collaboratively developed a Paraprofessional Structured Literacy Training. This training is:

• Consistent statewide
• Free of cost
• Capped at eight hours
• Based on approved teacher trainings such as LETRS, CAREIALL, and OL&LA
• Includes a Train the Trainer model to build internal district capacity

Train the Trainer Offering

Purpose: Equip district literacy leaders with the tools and skills needed to deliver paraprofessional training locally.

Benefits:

Ensures standardized instruction across districts

Supports flexible delivery options to meet local needs

Builds long-term sustainability for paraprofessional onboarding and support

Outcomes: Trainers will gain the knowledge and facilitation expertise to deliver high-quality literacy training and utilize provided resources effectively.

Trainer Qualifications:

• Must be a licensed educator with literacy expertise
• Roles may include District Literacy Lead, Instructional Coach, Title I Teacher, or Curriculum Director
• Must have completed one of the approved literacy PD programs under the READ Act