Higher Steps℠ Summer Practicum:
Tier II Reading Intervention for Older Readers
EDU 5644/6644-030 / EDU 5644/6644-040
SUMMER 2026
COURSE OVERVIEW
This graduate course is designed to help educators develop theoretical and practical knowledge of effective, research-based assessment and intervention for developing readers of all ages who have reached an early-third grade level, but whose reading abilities are below grade level expectations. The course follows a "practicum model," in which participants build a conceptual framework for reading development and effective intervention through a mentored clinical experience.
The course is open to all educators, including but not limited to: university education students, classroom teachers, reading specialists, special educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, and English-Language-Learner (ELL) personnel.
The intervention model for this course, Higher Steps℠, is a compilation of effective, research-based assessment and intervention techniques, designed for students experiencing reading difficulties.
Through tutoring, observations, discussion, reading and attendance at clinical sessions, participants will be expected to extend their knowledge of the following topics: reading development, phonological awareness, word identification, synthetic blending, decoding by analogy, basic English syllable structure, automaticity, fluency, assisted reading at instructional level, building/activating background knowledge, comprehension strategies, textual scaffolding, motivation, assessment for instructional level, and using curriculum-based assessment as a guide for pacing instruction.
Most importantly, participants will be expected to use their knowledge of these topics as they provide ongoing, one-on-one assessment and intervention for at least one developing reader.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
To reserve your spot in this practicum, you must provide all requested information below and pay the tuition to the University of Utah Reading Clinic (UURC). Until we receive the tuition, your spot is not reserved. Please be aware that practica spots are limited, fill quickly and are allocated on a "first come; first served" basis.
Cost:
- EDU 5644-030/EDU 6644-030: $450, 3 credit/no credit grade.
- EDU 5644-040/EDU 6644-040: $550, 3 letter grade credits. [paper required]
To determine if either of these courses applies to your school district salary schedule or to your university education program, please consult the appropriate district and/or university advisors.
Pay with credit card
or you may mail a check for the registration fee to the address below.
BACKGROUND CHECK
All persons working with students at our Murray site or in schools where they are not employed are required to pass a State and Federal background check conducted by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). If you fail to pass this background check, it may affect your ability to complete course requirements and receive a grade. START THIS PROCESS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE; IT MAY TAKE WEEKS TO COMPLETE!
If you are practicing educator or are a University of Utah student, verify that your background check is on record with the USBE, locate your CACTUS Number, and provide proof of your USBE Background Check. Students who previously accessed the CACTUS system via UEN will need to begin using and accessing the USIMS system.
View the Full Background Check Instructions
If you are neither a practicing educator, nor a University of Utah student, you must still provide documentation of clearance from the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (UBCI). Please check the following websites for the application and directions to complete this process:https://bci.utah.gov/criminal-records/criminal-records-forms/
NOTE ON CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: If you have been convicted of something other than minor traffic violations, this may bar you from being licensed as a teacher. Consult with either the Associate Dean for Professional Education of the Graduate School of Education or the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Committee, c/o Executive Secretary, before proceeding with your program in teacher education.
You must also complete the U of U Youth Protection Training prior to working with students. This training may be completed on-line: contact youthprotection@utah.edu and you will be directed as to how to proceed.
Thank you for your patience with this process that protects our students!
REQUIRED ATTENDANCE
Your attendance is of the utmost importance because the UURC has recruited developing readers to work with you every day.
If you are absent, the student does not receive intervention.
Participants must be present for:
- Training: June 9, 10, and 11,
- the last 2 days of tutoring (July 15 and July 16),
- and may not miss more than a total of 2 clinic sessions.
No exceptions!
Participants who do not meet these attendance requirements will not receive credit for the course.
CANCELLATIONS
To cancel your reservation, notify Holly Dean as soon as possible.
- If you cancel your reservation on or before May 25, 2026, a $50 processing fee will be deducted from your refund.
- If you cancel between May 26 and June 1, 2026, a $200 processing fee will be deducted from your refund.
- If you cancel on or after June 2, 2026, you will not receive a refund.
LOGISTICS
Dates & Times:
- Training: June 9, 10, 11 (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday) from 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Clinic Tutoring: June 16 - July 16, Tuesdays through Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location:
- Meetings/tutoring will be held through Zoom.
Trainers:
- Holly Dean - 801-265-3951, Holly.Dean@utah.edu
Note: Each participant will need to prepare materials that must be brought to the first and all subsequent sessions. See course syllabus for details.
Registration Form
Please note: Your spot is NOT secured until we verify that your information is complete.
| First Name | Last Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carrie | Evans | Spot Reserved |
| Abby | Hohnholt | Pending Tuition |
| Taryn | Horner | Pending Tuition |
| Claire | Oberle | Pending Tuition |
| Catherine | Whitehead | Pending Tuition |