Beyond Phonics: What Works for Older Struggling Readers

Live Virtual Workshop | Grades 4–12

A research-informed, practical workshop for educators working with older students who still struggle to read and spell.

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The Problem

We’ve made real progress in understanding how children learn to read and what to do when they struggle to acquire literacy skills. But when students reach 5th, 7th, or 9th grade still struggling, the guidance becomes much less clear.

Teachers are left choosing between:

  • comprehension strategies that don’t move the needle

  • or trying to go back to early phonics

UFLI in 8th grade? Not a serious plan. But skipping word-level work isn’t either.

What We’ll Cover

  • What still matters instructionally in grades 4–12

  • How spelling, morphology, and word-level work support reading and writing

  • What tends to be worth your time (and what isn’t)

  • A set of practical routines you can use right away

Who This is For

  • Interventionists

  • Literacy specialists and coaches

  • Special educators

  • Grades 4–12 teachers supporting struggling readers

What You’ll Leave With

  • A clearer sense of what to prioritize

  • Research-aligned routines you can use immediately

  • A practical framework for making instructional decisions

    You’ll leave with things you can do tomorrow

What Attendees Are Saying

  • "This workshop was very beneficial to my work as an interventionist."

    Reading Specialist, GA

  • "This workshop is one of the best I’ve ever experienced. I’d love for my colleagues to learn from Dr. Chandler."

    6th Grade Teacher, TX

  • "This was the most practical PD I’ve attended in years."

    Middle School ELA Teacher, NY

  • "Brennan has a way of making research feel doable and giving you just what you need to feel confident putting it into practice.”

    CALT, TX

Workshop Details

  • Live virtual workshop (Zoom)

  • Date: June 15th, 2026

  • Early bird: $29 | Regular: $39

  • Replay [recording] access available

Meet Your Presenter

Hi, I’m Dr. Brennan Chandler: a professor, researcher, and former classroom teacher. My work centers on evidence-based literacy practices and how to bring them into real classrooms. This year, my workshops have grown into a community of educators eager to put research into action for their students.

Ready to level-up your instruction?

Register Here
Register Here