4 easy ways to put the science of reading into practice

Key points:

In districts across the country, educators continue to support students in post-pandemic learning recovery. Many students still reading below the appropriate level for your grade–approximately one third of fourth graders in the United States read at or below what is considered the basic level. And unfortunately, even before the pandemic, reading achievement has been poor for the past few decades.

Districts that incorporate the science of reading into their curricula are seeing better student outcomes. However, because the science of reading refers to extensive research in a variety of fields on how a child learns to read, practical applications have not yet been widely taught to educators and there is a considerable gap between theory and the action.

Educators deserve relevant professional development in research-based instructional practices to inform their classroom instruction. An example to learn from is the “Mississippi Miracle,” in which a state that once ranked second-to-last in the U.S. for literacy saw fourth-grade reading scores rise by 10 points, even after school closures during the pandemic, due to an emphasis in the explicit teaching of foundational reading skills and professional development.

To help other school leaders begin to replicate the success that administrators and educators experienced in Mississippi, district leaders can guide the implementation of the science of reading principles through high-quality instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. To do this effectively, it is important to align lessons with research-based practices that do not get in the way or overwhelm administrators, educators, or students.

Provide reliable resources

Educators need a consolidated source of reliable resources when making significant changes in the classroom. This includes research, webinars, and other content to guide implementation.

Each state’s department of education may have guidelines, frameworks, and resources for implementing the science of reading. The U.S. Department of Education also provides resources and guidance on evidence-based literacy practices. District leaders can supplement these guidelines with training programs that offer explicit and systematic approaches to teaching reading, or attend a webinar series from educational technology partners that offers data-driven suggestions for literacy curricula.

Digital resources include Literacy around the world, research-based articles from the International Literacy Association (ILA) and peer-reviewed reports from journals such as Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Educational Psychology, and Journal of Literacy Research. The science of reading is an evolving field, so it is essential that both administrators and teachers have the resources necessary to stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices.

Choose the right classroom technologies

Supplemental technology in the classroom that aligns with science-based practices not only helps facilitate the implementation of new curricula, but can also tell educators where to target instruction based on each student’s understanding.

Adaptive technology can assess students’ current literacy levels through formative and diagnostic assessments and then create personalized learning paths for each student. This real-time information ensures that students work on the specific skills they need to develop, whether it’s phonics, reading comprehension, vocabulary or writing. Students who excel in a particular area can access more advanced content, while those who struggle can receive additional support and practice. This differentiation ensures that all students are challenged at an appropriate level.

Many adaptive education platforms incorporate interactive and multimedia elements, making the learning process more engaging for students. Gamification, interactive exercises, and multimedia resources can capture students’ attention and keep them motivated to practice literacy skills.

When students experience success and progress in their literacy skills through educational technology, this can increase their confidence and motivation. This built-in positive reinforcement can have a significant impact on your overall learning experience. That said, literacy and reading technology should always be chosen with the understanding that it is not intended to replace teacher-led instruction but rather to complement it.

Be prepared to make strategic changes

Implementing the science of reading curriculum in classrooms requires careful planning, strategic implementation, and the flexibility to make necessary adjustments. The science of reading is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading that focuses on the underlying cognitive processes involved in reading; As such, best practices are subject to change with the latest research and anecdotal evidence of student performance.

Start by defining clear, achievable and measurable objectives. These goals should be aligned with your school, district, or state’s literacy goals and standards. Instead of implementing the curriculum all at once, consider implementing it in stages. Districts may also consider establishing a system for teachers, students, parents and caregivers to provide feedback on the new curriculum and highlight any necessary adjustments.

Not all students and classrooms are the same, and what works for one group may not work for another. Implementing a new curriculum takes time and success may not be immediate. Patience and commitment to evidence-based practices are key to ensuring that the science of best reading practices has a positive, lasting impact on students’ reading skills and motivation to learn.