Build a foundational understanding of the science of reading and structured literacy, then explore the tools educators use to assess whether instruction is working.
Resources
The Reading League’s Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines (CEGs)
The Reading Universe
Reading Rockets – Reading 101: Self-Paced Learning Modules
Put Reading First
List of Educational Acronyms
Collaborative Conversations about the Science of Reading
Rhode Island Department of Education Resource Bank
How the Brain Learns to Read
How the Brain Learns to Read – Prof. Stanislas Dehaene
Cortex in the Classroom by Dr. Carolyn Strom, sponsored by Amplify
Michelle Elia Explains How Reading is Processed in the Brain
Structured Literacy
IDA Structured Literacy
MTSU: An Overview of Structured Literacy with Nancy Hennessey
Anita Archer’s Explicit Instruction Videos
Assessment
DIBELS
Acadience Learning
Really Great Reading
Wiley Blevins Phonics Assessment
Bao and Hogan Language Screeners
Biliteracy and Assessment
In working together to clarify a definition, the Science of Reading: Defining Guide was created to provide all stakeholders with a clear understanding of what the science of reading is, what it is not, and much more. The Defining Guide also includes 11 calls to action for all stakeholders. Pertinent to this Curriculum Decision Makers content is the following call to action: “We call on curriculum publishers and professional learning providers to create and promote products that are aligned with the science of reading and to eliminate non-aligned products from their offerings.” Unfortunately, some publishers continue to offer materials and professional development that claim to be aligned with the science of reading but are not.
Many states have mandated the use of high-quality instructional materials to be chosen from lists based on alignment to standards, useability, and often one other feature—outdated practices. Alignment with the science of reading was frequently not included in the development of these lists. While some have identified aligned practices within curricula, none identified non-aligned practices. As a result, many states adopt curricula featuring instructional practices that can inadvertently prevent students from developing proficient reading and writing skills.
To assist curriculum decision makers, The Reading League developed its Curriculum Evaluation Tool, later renamed Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines (CEGs) in 2022. The most recent update of the CEGs (February 2023) places red flag practices front and center in the review process to help decision makers steer clear of curricula featuring them.