What do you need to know about the AIM Institute for Learning and Research? We explain the group’s mission, programs, and courses.

AIM Institute for Learning and Research – What you must know

The AIM Institute for Learning and Research aims to provide literacy instruction for learners who have reading difficulties. As someone who may have reading difficulties or cares for someone who has them, AIM’s work may interest you.

In this article, we explore AIM’s mission and dig into the many programs it offers.

The beginnings and mission of the AIM Institute

The AIM Institute was founded in 2006 in tandem with the AIM Academy. The organization came together under the belief that there were research-based methods that could improve classroom practice to serve struggling readers.

AIM saw that research wasn’t making the transition to instructional practices. As a result, many school districts found that children who needed literacy support weren’t developing the required foundational skills.

With that knowledge in mind, AIM decided to serve as a bridge. It would create a link between scientific research and educational leaders who could turn that research into learning opportunities.

Today, AIM operates several programs designed to aid in teacher training. If you’d like to learn more about the organization’s origins and mission, you can visit them at www.institute.aimpa.org.

AIM Institute programs and research

AIM creates strategic partnerships with several organizations to launch useful programs related to reading instruction. The nonprofit group spearheads the following initiatives:

The Haskins Global Literacy Hub

The Haskins Global Literacy Hub is a collaboration between leading researchers and practitioners. Together, these groups focus on the neuroscience behind creating literacy-based educational opportunities for those with language-based learning differences.

Ultimately, the hub speeds up the translation of research into classroom practice. Thus, it ensures that the latest research makes its way into the classroom syllabus and coursework.

AIM Pathways

The organization launched AIM Pathways in cooperation with the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Knowledge and Practice Standards.

It includes four evidence-based courses that thousands of teachers and dozens of school teachers use throughout 20 states. Similarly to the Haskins Global Literacy Hub, this program turns the science of reading into practical instruction.

Read by 4th

Read by 4th is a collective of educational partners based in Philadelphia. AIM works alongside Read by 4th to help students achieve grade-level reading by Grade 4.

This work includes:

• Professional development for literacy coaches
• Working together with universities to offer pre-service training
• Parent workshops
• Advocacy for improved reading standards

Together, the groups are part of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading (The GLR Campaign). GLR works to prevent reading failure in at-risk areas.

Research Advisory Board

AIM believes that research is the key to overcoming language-based learning disabilities. Its Research Advisory Board brings together leading researchers in this field.

These researchers share their findings and work together on new projects. Again, the goal is to use this research to support in-person classroom teaching.

The Research to Practice Symposium

AIM hosts this gathering every year. For one day, leading researchers in the reading field gather to discuss topics related to the subject.

The event draws 800 people per year. It also includes speeches and presentations from leading researchers.

Training for professionals

To further its goal of bringing research into the classroom, AIM runs several training programs for teachers. Each of these programs boosts the teacher’s knowledge and helps them bring the newest ideas into classrooms.

AIM Pathways

As mentioned, AIM Pathways is a collection of four evidence-based online courses. The platform offers tools and courses for teachers. Each of these courses translates into three graduate credits for Arcadia University.

The courses are:

Pathways to Proficient Reading

This is a blended course that introduced teachers to the science of reading. It’s broken down into 17 sections and gives participants access to a virtual community for coaching sessions.

The course incorporates webinars and offers 55 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Pathways to Literacy Leadership

Pathways to Literacy Leadership is a 10-part course that builds on Pathways to Proficient Reading. It takes about 30 hours to complete. The course offers 36 hours of CEUs.

Pathways to Proficient Writing

This course is the newest addition to AIM Pathways. Created in 2021, the course teaches writing practices that benefit all students. It introduces teachers to new models, including:

• The Writing Cycle
• The Not-So-Simple View of Writing

This 10-section course takes about 20 hours to complete. Teachers get 30 CEUs for passing the course.

Pathways to Structured Literacy

If you want to know how to deliver structured lessons using research-based techniques, this is the course for you.

It’s based on the Orton-Gillingham approach and teaches the components of a structured reading lesson.

This standalone course offers 30 CEUs and includes nine sections.

Steps to Literacy

What if you’re interested in AIM’s courses but can’t commit the time to an AIM Pathways module?

That’s where Steps to Literacy comes in.

These are short courses that offer tools and resources to teachers. They teach foundational skills. Plus, they give teachers a better understanding of dyslexia and the challenges it creates for learners.

Speechify can help with reading difficulties, too

AIM is doing amazing work to bring research-based education to classrooms. Its array of tools have proven useful to teachers throughout the United States.

At Speechify, we also want to help teachers.

Speechify is a text to speech app that helps students develop reading skills. The app reads digital and physical content aloud. This allows students to keep pace with their fellow learners. Plus, it teaches pronunciation and similar skills.

The app is available for iOS, Android, and Microsoft Windows. We also offer Speechify as a Google Chrome extension for web-based use. If you’d like to find out more, try Speechify for free and discover the power of text to speech.

FAQ

What are the benefits of taking a course with AIM?

Taking an AIM course allows you to develop the skills needed to teach those with reading difficulties. It also gives you access to the latest research in a practical fashion.

What are the qualifications for the Board of Directors of the AIM Institute?

AIM asks for several details when you apply to become a board member. These details include your personal information, current job, and any experience you have working with a nonprofit.

What is the difference between a degree and a certificate?

A degree is a qualification you earn from a higher education institution, such as a university. A certificate is usually a standalone qualification, though some offer credits for college courses.