Science of Reading News Digest: April 2024
The Literacy Architects
We break down complex literacy routines into step-by-step plans and deliver PD to support you along the way.
We want to give a big shout-out to our giveaway winner, Randi Zanesky! Says Randi, “I’m a literacy leader because literacy unlocks the door to opportunity and possibilities. All children deserve to hold that key.” We wanted to thank you for entering our giveaway with Storyshares! We were so inspired by all the ways participants described leading literacy initiatives and change in their community. Here are the literacy headlines that caught our eye in April:
While a majority of the nation has begun to embrace evidence-based literacy practices, two prominent universities, Ohio State and Lesley, continue to uphold outdated methods in their training programs. Despite criticism and pressure to change, both institutions stand by their programs, which have historically emphasized methods such as three-cueing. This resistance contrasts with the shifting landscape of reading instruction, with other institutions like Teachers College at Columbia University transitioning to evidence-based approaches informed by the latest research.
Houston-based literacy program Reading With A Rapper (RWAR) has teamed up with Microsoft to launch RWAR+, an enhanced version of the RWAR literacy program. This collaboration aims to integrate technology into the program, providing interactive learning experiences and tracking student progress while expanding the reach of the program. Set to be released in the Fall of 2024, this program combines the artistry of hip-hop with literacy education, using rap lyrics to teach text analysis and writing skills.
The Arkansas LEARNS Act introduced over 120 literacy coach positions in public schools targeting kindergarten through third-grade classrooms in schools with low ratings. After nearly a year, literacy coach Amber Harwell reflects on the progress she’s observed, noting that her goal is to keep students on grade level with a focus on explicit instruction. While only around 35% of third-grade students are currently reading at grade level in the state, efforts are underway to boost literacy rates. The LEARNS Act requires that every “D” and “F” rating or low-performance school has access to a literacy coach by the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
What We're Working On
?? Announcing May’s Literacy Leadership Network Topic: Not a Bandaid: Developing Effective Intervention Models
??? Here's what's on the Literacy Leadership Network Calendar:
?? May 6: Live webinar to help you translate reading research into concrete plans for instructional change.
?? May 7: Webinar recording + members-only resources and downloads so you can take your learning with you.
?? May 13: 2–4 short videos aligned to this month's topic so you can further your learning.
?? May 20: Live consultancy meeting to give you the time and space to receive feedback from and exchange ideas with peers.
?? Week of May 27: Office hours to ask our literacy specialists questions about your specific school or district situation.
领英推荐
Attention D.C. Educators!
We have an exciting and free end-of-year learning opportunity just for you, courtesy of the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. But you have to act fast because there are only 30 spots available!
Addressing Learning Gaps with Syllable Instruction is perfect for 4th–12th-grade teachers, literacy coaches, special educators, multilingual educators, and administrators who want to strengthen their understanding of how to use syllable knowledge to improve students' multisyllabic word reading skills.
This course is offered May 13–June 28. What's included?
?? Six learning modules that will teach you how to implement instructional routines to help students tackle multisyllabic words,
?? Two 30-minute sessions to get your questions answered,
?? Access to diagnostic assessments and lesson plan templates to assist with classroom implementation, and
?? PLUs upon completion of all course activities.
If you're a DC educator, register here.
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