The SoLaR Lab provides professional learning for educators through both live and on-demand courses, ensuring the Sciences of Learning and the Sciences of Reading are presented in an understandable, relevant, and practical way for real classrooms.
The SoLaR brings together the Sciences of Learning and the Sciences of Reading, two distinct yet complementary bodies of research that are essential for professional learning for educators. The Science of Reading elucidates how reading develops and what contributes to word recognition and language comprehension. Meanwhile, the Science of Learning provides insights into how attention, memory, practice, knowledge, and retrieval impact the longevity of learning. The SoLaR Lab effectively connects these vital concepts to the instructional decisions educators make daily.

Early literacy and learning for educators supporting young readers is essential for professional learning for educators. Explore foundational skills, assessment-informed teaching, and small-group instruction, while also delving into language development and the Sciences of Learning and Sciences of Reading. These learning principles are crucial in ensuring that early reading instruction is effective and lasting.

Adolescent literacy, disciplinary learning, and evidence-informed instruction for grades 4–12 are crucial components of professional learning for educators. Explore vocabulary, morphology, knowledge building, comprehension, and literacy across content areas, grounded in the Sciences of Learning and Sciences of Reading.

Culturally sustainable teaching is grounded in the six pillars of the LILACS Framework. By engaging in professional learning for educators, we can use reflection, strategic planning, and insights from the Sciences of Learning and Sciences of Reading to strengthen the connection between evidence-based instruction, identity, relationships, and a sense of belonging.
Join a free orientation designed for grades 4–12 educators interested in enhancing their professional learning. This session will help you understand the current adolescent literacy priorities and connect the Sciences of Reading and the Sciences of Learning to vocabulary, knowledge, comprehension, and instruction across various disciplines.
Join a 90-minute live masterclass designed for professional learning for educators, where participants will learn and apply the WORD Process: Weigh the word, Open its structure, Relate meaning and context, and Distribute practice. This session draws on the latest insights from the Sciences of Learning and the Sciences of Reading to enhance teaching effectiveness.
Clear explanations of complex research help facilitate professional learning for educators. Practical examples across grades and content areas demonstrate the application of the Sciences of Learning and Sciences of Reading principles. The focus is on guided application rather than passive listening, ensuring active engagement. Participants will receive reusable tools, workbooks, and planning resources. Our approach emphasizes culturally sustainable and learner-centered perspectives. Learning experiences are designed with memory and cognitive load in mind, making them effective for various educational settings.
Dr. Blackwell is a literacy scholar, college professor, and professional learning leader who founded Purposeful Literacy. She leverages her expertise in research, teacher education, and curriculum development to enhance professional learning for educators. With a focus on the Sciences of Learning and the Sciences of Reading, she enriches every SoLaR Lab experience with valuable literacy technical assistance.