Reading comprehension develops when students have opportunities to talk about ideas, write about what they’re learning, engage with complex texts, and make meaningful connections across content areas. In order for reading comprehension to develop at the rate students need it to so they can be successful in school and life, teachers must be intentional in how they organize for instruction.
Join WestEd’s K–5 Language, Literacy, and Learning Webinar Series for five engaging 30-minute sessions that explore some of the essential building blocks of comprehension. From the role of academic language and writing to the importance of background knowledge and advanced literacy development, each webinar offers practical insights educators can apply right away.
This series connects research and practice and highlights instructional approaches that help all students become stronger and more confident and capable readers.
Who Should Attend
- K–5 classroom teachers
- Instructional coaches and literacy specialists
- Reading interventionists
- School and district leaders (principals, assistant principals, district administrators)
All webinars held from 12–12:30 p.m. PT/3–3:30 p.m. ET
July 23, 2026
Language at Work: Building Reading Comprehension Through Writing
In this 30-minute webinar, discover how students writing in their own voices builds the academic language and reading comprehension skills that complex texts demand.
- Dr. Jenell Krishnan, Director of Writing Apprenticeship at WestEd
- Casey McAlduff, English Learner Program Associate at WestEd
July 31, 2026
Comprehension Without Compromise: High Expectations for Every Reader
In this 30-minute Leading Together webinar, learn how educators can use evidence-based accommodations and tiered instructional approaches to maintain curriculum depth while removing barriers to engagement.
- Elizabeth Zagata, Special Education Program Manager at WestEd
- Menya Cole, Program Associate at WestEd
August 4, 2026
Language at the Center: Expressive and Academic Language as the Engine for Reading Comprehension
Explore how oral language, vocabulary depth, and academic registers shape students’ ability to make meaning from complex texts in this 30-minute webinar.
- Annette Gregg, Senior Director at WestEd
- Rebecca Bates, Senior Technical Support Specialist at WestEd
August 6, 2026
Reading Comprehension Is More Than Decoding
Reading comprehension is more than decoding. In this 30-minute webinar, unpack what it really requires—background knowledge, vocabulary, inference, and language.
- Misty Sailors, Research Director at WestEd
- Annette Gregg, Senior Director at WestEd
August 20, 2026
Beyond Grade Level: Meeting Advanced Readers Where They Are and Where They Can Go
Join this 30-minute webinar to explore research-backed strategies that genuinely deepen reading comprehension and stretch capable readers.
- Elizabeth Zagata, Special Education Program Manager at WestEd
- Menya Cole, Program Associate at WestEd
About Language, Literacy, and Learning
WestEd’s Language, Literacy, and Learning is a comprehensive suite of professional learning and technical assistance services that build educator and leadership capacity to deliver high-quality literacy instruction that strengthens opportunities for improved outcomes for all students.