Vancouver Island University is offering a new micro credential program to help educators strengthen how they teach reading and writing to young students.
VIU says the Elementary Literacy Foundations for Practicing Teachers was created in response to a drop in grade four students meeting provincial literacy standards.
A report from the Ministry of Education and Child Care says 73 per cent of students met the standard in 2023-24 and in 2024-25, 63 per cent met it.
“We’re hearing from educators that they want more support to feel confident in delivering strong literacy programs for their students,” said Ana Vieira, program developer and education professor. “The goal is to give educators the knowledge and practical tools they need to make informed instructional decisions for their students.”
The course is offered fully online and teachers are encouraged to complete it while working.
Teachers will study topics including phonemic awareness, phonics, oral language and vocabulary.
“As children grow up in an increasingly digital and AI-rich world, strong literacy foundations matter more, not less,” said Vieira. “Children need rich opportunities to talk, read, write, build knowledge and think critically so they can understand and evaluate the information they encounter.”
Teachers will also learn about inclusivity and ways to support multilingual students.
The four-month program runs January to April 2027.
