National Reading Month
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The Science of Teaching Reading For years now, the early literacy education community has been talking about the need to reform our practice to align to the science of reading. But what is the science of reading? And how can it improve our practice so kids become better readers? Click here to read about the converging evidence of what matters and what works in literacy instruction. | The Culture that Kills: Student BlamingSeeking the truth about reading requires confronting certain uncomfortable facts. In science of reading circles, when practitioners ask why their students aren’t making expected gains, the answers are about changing practice. Research articles, links to high quality resources, practical tips are offered. The advice is never about turning it all back on the student. | How important is daily independent reading? Does practice make perfect? Practice has value in the development of any skilled activity. However, research on effective practices that improve reading performance states that reading must be purposeful and intentional--not just aimless engagement for a specified amount of time. Do you agree or disagree? Click here for full article. |
The Science of Teaching Reading
The Culture that Kills: Student Blaming
Seeking the truth about reading requires confronting certain uncomfortable facts. In science of reading circles, when practitioners ask why their students aren’t making expected gains, the answers are about changing practice. Research articles, links to high quality resources, practical tips are offered. The advice is never about turning it all back on the student.
How important is daily independent reading?
Elementary (K-5)
How much phonics should you teach? Phonics instruction teaches kids to hear sounds, recognize letters or spelling patterns, and then connect the sounds to the letters/spellings. Proficiency requires extensive practice within words and in reading practice. What's the correct dosage? Read this article to discover how classroom observations helped to uncover disparities between teacher lesson plans and effective literacy practices.
Middle School (6-8)
Although arguing might seem like a natural talent for many adolescents, argumentative writing and classroom debates are often tough skills for students to master and challenging to teach. Read Supporting Argumentative Writing and Classroom Debate to find out where recent research is leading us.
High School (9-12)
When Older Students Can’t Read At any age, poor readers as a group exhibit weaknesses in phonological processing and word recognition speed and accuracy. When a student’s reading comprehension is more impaired than their listening comprehension, inaccurate and slow word recognition is the most likely cause.
Professional Learning
Effective professional development builds the knowledge, skills and qualities of teachers to improve the outcomes of their students. When teachers practice and apply new learning, their enhanced knowledge and skills improves their teaching which then enhances their students' outcomes. Participants should select courses that increase teacher efficacy and are directly-aligned to student achievement (and not solely on "flex credit" compliance).
