Policy to Practice: PA Literacy Forum

A one-day professional learning event for District Leaders focused on literacy policy (Act 47) and effective literacy instruction for elementary and adolescent learners.
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Why Attend

Join Pennsylvania district leaders for a focused day of learning, peer connection, and actionable strategy — built to bridge Act 47 policy and what actually happens in classrooms.

  • Connect with leaders from across Pennsylvania
  • Learn practical strategies from literacy thought leaders
  • Explore literacy leadership, instruction with grade-level texts, scaffolds, and district implementation support
  • Leave with ideas you can apply in your schools right away

Who This Event Is For

This event is designed for education leaders across Pennsylvania.

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Curriculum leaders
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Federal programs leaders
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Literacy directors
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Building and district administrators
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Instructional leaders
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Teachers attending with leadership teams

Event Details

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Date

August 4

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Time

8 AM – 3:30 PM

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Location

Cranberry Highlands

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Cost

$125 / Person

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Audience

District Leaders

Registration is now open. Space is limited.

Only 120 seats available. Secure your team’s seats today.
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Meet the Presenters

Practitioners and policy leaders shaping literacy in Pennsylvania.

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Rachael Garnick

Coalition Manager, PA Literacy Coalition | Teach Plus PA

Leads the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition advancing evidence-based literacy policy and structured literacy investment statewide.

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Cassie Pencek

Director | MGT

Ed.D. with 23+ years in coaching, instructional leadership, and large-scale Science of Reading implementation across districts and states.

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Lynne Kulich

Head of Growth, Literacy | MGT

Ed.D. with 30+ years in education; author, researcher, and presenter specializing in early literacy and multilingual learners.

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Tim Rasinski

Professor Emeritus of Reading Education | Kent State University

Internationally recognized literacy researcher, author of 50+ books, and member of the International Reading Hall of Fame.

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Conference Agenda

Final agenda forthcoming — schedule below is representative.

8:00 AM

Coffee and light breakfast

8:30 AM

Welcome

8:45 – 10:00 AM

Rachael Garnick

10:00 – 10:15 AM

Break

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM

Cassie Pencek

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Lunch — Roundtable Panel & Prompted Discussion

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Professional learning with Tim Rasinski & Lynne Kulich

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Closing

Session Highlights

Leading Literacy: Statewide Strategy and Coalition Impact:
Rachael Garnick — Coalition Manager, PA Literacy Coalition | Teach Plus PA

This session will explore the intersection of literacy, policy, practice, and advocacy, highlighting the role and impact of the PA Literacy Coalition in advancing this work across the state. It will also draw on key insights from the Proof Points project to showcase concrete examples of district-level progress. An interactive “Advocacy 101” component will provide participants with practical strategies to translate ideas into action through storytelling, real-time advocacy, and local planning.

This session will provide an overview of Act 47 requirements and what they mean for district implementation. Participants will reflect on their current practices, examine successful K–3 literacy approaches, and explore how these strategies can be sustained and expanded beyond the primary grades. The session will offer practical insights and examples to support coherent, system-wide literacy improvement.

Tim Rasinski and Lynne Kulich will facilitate an interactive session that unpacks the Active View of Reading, examining its implications for high-quality literacy instruction. The session emphasizes the use of effective instructional scaffolds and purposeful engagement with grade-level texts. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and practical tools that can be implemented immediately in classrooms and supported through district-level systems and support.

What You Need to Know

Is lunch included?
Yes — coffee, light breakfast, and lunch are provided.
Yes. Leaders are encouraged to bring members of their leadership and instructional teams.
District leaders along with elementary and middle school teams.

Online through the registration form using Stripe. Registration link coming soon.

Yes — only 120 seats available. Early registration is encouraged.

Join Us in August

Bring your leadership team, connect with peers from across Pennsylvania, and gain practical literacy strategies you can bring back to your schools.

Register Now
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