What is The Science of Reading & Why Should we Care?

If you are curious about the term "The Science of Reading" and wondering if this is simply yet another fad, there is a "Defining Movement" coalition that has formed to support you. This coalition has gathered to outline a common definition of what The Science of Reading is, and what is is not.

As outlined in their Defining Guide, 'evidence-aligned' reading instruction stems from many fields of research:

• cognitive psychology,

• communication sciences,

• developmental psychology,

• education,

• implementation science,

• linguistics,

• neuroscience,

• school psychology

Click on the following link to find out exactly what is meant by The Science of Reading, what it is not, and to view a terrific chart that clearly outlines what reading research must include to be considered "scientifically-based":

https://www.whatisthescienceofreading.org/science-of-reading-guide

For a synopsis of why we should at least BEGIN with 'structured phonics', view this 10-minute Ted Talk by Melissa Hostetter:

TEDx Talks. March 31, 2021. Can we Afford to Ignore the Science of Reading? Melissa Hostetter. TEDxUofISpringfield. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WJcgxyuATU

References

The Reading League (2021). The Science of Reading: A Defining Movement Coalition. Retrieved from https://www.whatisthescienceofreading.org/science-of-reading-guide