UFLI Foundations Professional Learning

Join Dyslexia-SPELD Foundation (DSF) Literacy Specialist Wes Cutajar for a full-day workshop for Primary 3rd and 4th year, Graduate Diploma, and Master of Teaching Pre-Service Teachers on University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations, an evidence-based phonics program developed by teachers, for teachers. Learn how to implement this explicit, systematic approach to build strong early reading foundations and provide effective intervention for older struggling readers.

Workshop Selection Guidelines

To ensure participants gain the greatest benefit from these sessions:

• Students who completed UFLI last year should register for Word Origins this year.
• Students who have not attended either workshop before should choose one workshop only: either UFLI or Word Origins.

Registrations from 8.15am, for an 8.45am start. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, however, please bring your own lunch as there will be no cafes open on campus.

Only 60 places available, so register early.

Presenter: Wes Cutajar

Wes Cutajar is a UFLI Foundations Trainer and DSF Literacy Specialist committed to improving student outcomes through research-informed, evidence-based practice. He has extensive experience supporting teachers and school leaders to implement effective literacy instruction and has a strong background in instructional coaching. Wes was co-lead in the Australian adaptation of the UFLI Foundations manual and works closely with schools to support its implementation in both Western Australia and Tasmania. He has taught across Kindergarten to Year 6 in both classroom and specialist roles and is passionate about using data to inform teaching and improve student outcomes.

Course Outline

Developed for teachers, by teachers, with teachers.

UFLI Foundations is an explicit and systematic phonics program that introduces students to the foundational reading skills necessary for proficient reading. It follows a carefully developed scope and sequence designed to ensure that students systematically acquire each skill needed and learn to apply each skill with automaticity and confidence. UFLI Foundations is designed to be used for core instruction in primary years or for intervention with struggling students in any grade.

In this full day workshop, DSF trainers will provide an overview of this evidence-based, highly effective program, guide participants through an in-depth exploration of each lesson step, and share recommendations for progress monitoring and differentiation.

Comments from UFLI Foundations workshop attendees:

'Attending was so worthwhile! I felt very excited and more prepared to implement the program next year.'                    

'What a fantastic course! I walked away feeling motivated and ready to implement UFLI my classroom.'

'I liked how the presenters demonstrated how to teach the individual steps.'

'I appreciate that I was able to understand the content and also the structure of the lessons.'

Learn more about UFLI Foundations.