In June 2025, British Columbia released the K-4 Foundational English Language Arts Learning Progressions, a significant update designed to elaborate on the English Language Arts curriculum. The learning progressions reflect the province’s ongoing commitment to advancing evidence-based literacy instruction. By clearly articulating foundational skills and how they develop over time, the progressions help align classroom practice with research on how children learn to read and write. Developing a shared understanding of these skills and expectations is essential for student achievement and educational equity.Â
The learning progressions represent a substantial shift, and teachers need time, support, and high-quality resources to make sense of the document and apply it meaningfully into classroom practice. We strongly believe this work is best supported through job-embedded, in-service professional learning, and we recognize that many districts have already begun this work. This six-part interactive workshop series is designed to support the system in these efforts.
The series is offered through The Literacy Collaborative, a partnership between Dyslexia Canada and local educators that supports shared learning, professional dialogue, and the connection between research and instruction. Sessions are hosted by British Columbia educators Calico Clark, Angelo Graffos, Danielle Neer, and Kathy Rice.
This series will explore each skill in the learning progressions, why it matters for student learning, effective instructional practices, and practical resources to support implementation. Each session will include a short, focused presentation followed by small group discussion. These conversations are designed to identify questions, insights, and practical strategies from BC educators. Key ideas from discussions will be used to create a shared FAQ document and professional learning materials that can support schools and boards across the province, helping move literacy practice forward equitably.
The series is primarily intended for educators using the British Columbia English Language Arts curriculum, including those in British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories; however, educators from all jurisdictions are welcome to attend.
Session dates and topics
All sessions run on Wednesdays at 4:00 pm Pacific
- January 28: Oral Language
- February 4: Reading and Spelling: Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
- February 11: Reading and Spelling: Morphology and Spelling
- February 18: Fluency
- February 25: Comprehension
- March 4: Writing
- March 11: Tying It All Together