Science of Reading News Digest: February 2024
The Literacy Architects
We break down complex literacy routines into step-by-step plans and deliver PD to support you along the way.
Just in case you’re in a rush, we don’t want you to miss out on this limited-time offer: Use coupon code LLN50-OFF for 50% off your first month of the Literacy Leadership Network .
Plus: We have an exclusive offer for D.C. educators. Thanks to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), 4th-12th grade educators in Washington, D.C. can register for our self-paced course, Addressing Learning Gaps with Syllable Instruction, for free! Strengthen your understanding of how to use syllable knowledge to improve students' multisyllabic word reading skills by registering today .
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By the end of the month, we look forward to reflecting on how literacy has shown up in the news. If you’re anything like us, it can sometimes be difficult to remember just how many people are working with all their might towards the goal of ensuring all students get the instruction they need to become proficient readers. We hope you find this month’s news digest encouraging. There are so many stakeholders committed to literacy; we are not alone.
NBA star Steph Curry and his wife Ayesha are set to produce a documentary titled "Sentenced," addressing the epidemic of childhood illiteracy. Steph Curry narrates the film, which explores literacy through the perspective of both adults and children who have experienced difficulty becoming proficient readers. The couple, who are long-time advocates for childhood literacy, are producing the documentary to raise awareness of the literacy crisis that exists in the United States. It is the hope of the film to launch one million volunteers into early childhood literacy.
While many gains have been made to increase literacy proficiency through evidence-based instruction, addressing the issue of older students who lack reading proficiency remains a significant challenge. A considerable number of students in grades four and beyond lack the literacy skills needed to be successful in other academic areas. While education technology can be a helpful resource in supporting these learners, upper elementary and secondary teachers also need professional learning to learn how to bridge the literacy gap for these older students. (That's why we're so excited to be partnering with OSSE for this important cause!)
A new California bill aims to mandate the teaching of reading using evidence-based literacy instruction. The bill seeks to replace the existing balanced literacy or whole language approaches still used in some schools, despite overwhelming research that these instructional methods are ineffective. The bill also ensures that teachers receive professional learning and use appropriate curricula to support the unique needs of English Language Learners. However, teacher unions and potential costs pose challenges to its implementation. If passed, the bill would go into effect in 2025.
What We're Working On
Announcing March’s Literacy Leadership Network Topic: Crafting Effective Literacy Blocks
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Here's what's on the Literacy Leadership Network Calendar:
? March 4: Live webinar to help you translate reading research into concrete plans for instructional change. (Can't make it? Catch the recording!)
? March 5: Webinar recording + members-only resources and downloads so you can take your learning with you.
? March 11: 2–4 short videos aligned to February's topic so you can further your learning.
? March 18: Live consultancy meeting to give you the time and space to receive feedback from and exchange ideas with peers.
? March 25: Office hours to ask our literacy specialists questions about your specific school or district situation.
Register today using coupon code LLN50-OFF for 50% off your first month!
Attention D.C. Educators!
We have an exclusive offer for D.C. educators. Thanks to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, DC educators in grades 4–12 can register for Addressing Learning Gaps with Syllable Instruction for free! Strengthen your understanding of how to use syllable knowledge to improve students' multisyllabic word reading skills by registering today .
Here’s what one participant had to say:
“I enjoyed this mix of in-person and individual learning. The asynchronous lessons were organized and allowed me to work on them as I had time. The content was beneficial and helped me understand how I can help struggling readers.”
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