Science of Reading: Where Rhetoric Meets Reality
More than half the states have passed laws or policies mandating a 鈥渟cience of reading鈥 approach to early literacy.
In a sense, these mandates mark the end of one story鈥攖hat of the activists and educators who have pushed forcefully for an evidence-backed approach to reading. But they鈥檙e only the beginning of another story鈥攖he monumental challenge of shifting teaching practices on the ground, classroom by classroom.
Are states providing enough coaching for teachers to feel comfortable with an approach still unfamiliar to many of them? Have they provided curriculum and teaching models in time? Are they selecting trainings and materials backed by science? Where is teaching truly changing, and where are old habits still holding on?
This incisive project, the brainchild of reporter Sarah Schwartz, aims to tell that story through the lens of North Carolina, whose challenges mirror those of many states. With reading scores in the middle of the pack, the Tar Heel state passed reading legislation in 2021鈥攁longside nearly a dozen other states. Now it鈥檚 wrestling with dueling goals: wanting to move quickly, but also wanting the changes to stick.
We hope the series will give you new insights about the challenge of shaping teaching at scale鈥攁nd how these educators鈥 experience can inform your own journey, whether as a teacher, administrator, or policymaker.
鈥擲tephen Sawchuk, Assistant Managing Editor, 澳门跑狗论坛
- Why Putting the 'Science of Reading' Into Practice Is So ChallengingPhilosophical disagreements, a rushed rollout, and a lack of ready-to-use materials have complicated one state's journey.
- Reading & Literacy Tracker Which States Have Passed 'Science of Reading' Laws? What's in Them?澳门跑狗论坛 tracks which states mandate that schools use evidence-based methods to teach young students how to read.Reading & Literacy Series Getting Reading RightIn this 2019 collection, 澳门跑狗论坛 interrogates the cognitive science behind how young students gain foundational reading skills.
Lead image: The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including in this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
鈥擪ate Medley for 澳门跑狗论坛