LETRS Unit 1 Overview (Sessions 1–8 Guide)
LETRS Unit 1 introduces the core science-of-reading concepts that every teacher needs before progressing into phonological awareness, phonics, and structured literacy instruction. This unit explains how skilled reading develops, why so many students struggle, and which instructional decisions have the strongest impact on literacy outcomes. It serves as the foundation for all later LETRS units and helps educators build a research-based understanding of reading development.
Below is a complete breakdown of what Unit 1 covers, followed by links to detailed Session guides and Check for Understanding answer explanations.
What LETRS Unit 1 Covers
LETRS Unit 1 focuses on the scientific and cognitive basis of reading. Key topics include:
- How the brain learns to read and why reading is not an innate skill
- The Simple View of Reading (Decoding × Language Comprehension)
- The components of skilled reading and how they interact
- The difference between proficient readers and struggling readers
- The role of background knowledge in reading comprehension
- The foundations teachers must master before structured literacy instruction
Many of the concepts introduced in Unit 1 become the building blocks for Units 2–8.
LETRS Unit 1 Sessions (1–8)
Below are the eight sessions included in LETRS Unit 1.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 1: The Challenge of Learning to Read
Overview of why reading proficiency varies widely and why explicit literacy instruction is necessary.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 2: The Science of Reading
Introduction to research findings from cognitive science, linguistics, and reading research.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 3: The Simple View of Reading
Explanation of how decoding and language comprehension work together to produce skilled reading.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 4: How the Brain Learns to Read
Summary of the reading brain model, phonological processing, and orthographic mapping.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 5: Oral Language and Decoding Skills
Understanding how oral language abilities support decoding and comprehension.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 6: The Components of Skilled Reading
Breakdown of phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 7: Instructional Implications for Teachers
Connecting science-of-reading research to classroom practice and lesson design.
LETRS Unit 1 Session 8: Unit 1 Review and Reflection
Final review of Unit 1 content, key terms, and application to teaching decisions.
Who Should Study LETRS Unit 1
Unit 1 is essential for:
- Classroom teachers (K–12)
- Literacy coaches
- Special education teachers
- Reading interventionists
- School administrators responsible for literacy implementation
This unit establishes the theoretical framework that LETRS uses throughout later units.
Frequently Asked Questions About LETRS Unit 1
What is LETRS Unit 1 about?
It provides the scientific and cognitive foundations of reading development, including models of reading, brain science, and core literacy components.
How many sessions are in LETRS Unit 1?
There are eight sessions, each covering a specific component of reading research and instructional application.
Does Unit 1 include Check for Understanding questions?
Yes. Each session includes Check for Understanding items that assess teacher comprehension. You can link to your session-specific answer guides from this page.
How long does Unit 1 take to complete?
Depending on pacing and district requirements, most teachers complete Unit 1 within 1–2 weeks, though some districts allocate additional time for discussions and coaching.
How much does LETRS training cost
The cost of LETRS training varies significantly depending on provider, format (online vs. in-person), and region. According to a review, typical professional development programs run between $500 and $1,200 per course. Early Childhood Education Degrees
The official provider, Lexia Learning, does not list public per-participant pricing, stating instead that costs depend on the district or sponsoring agency. Education Week+1
For example, one local provider listed a workshop cost of $249 including materials for a specific regional cohort. roe8.org
Because many districts bundle LETRS training into district-wide contracts or state-funded initiatives, individual participant cost may appear much lower or even be fully covered.
If you are registering individually or for a smaller group, you should contact the training provider for a detailed quote based on your state, district, and format.
Next Step: Explore Unit 1 Sessions
LETRS Unit 1 Session 1
LETRS Unit 1 Session 2
LETRS Unit 1 Session 3
LETRS Unit 1 Session 4
LETRS Unit 1 Session 5
LETRS Unit 1 Session 6
LETRS Unit 1 Session 7
LETRS Unit 1 Session 8
