The science of reading is a large body of knowledge based on research about how the brain learns to read, why it sometimes has difficulty doing so, and the kinds of instruction that most effectively help children learn to read. To learn more about the science of reading, download The Science of Reading: Defining Guide, available in English and Spanish.
Learn more about the findings from decades of scientific research on reading and issues related to reading and writing:
Resources
Parent Introduction to the Science of Reading
Harvard Medical School: How We Learn To Read
The Reading Brain: How We Learn to Read
Wes Hoover Explains The Simple View of Reading
Learning to Read: A Primer
Reading Rockets Ten Myths About Learning to Read
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materials to be chosen from lists based on alignment to standards, useability, and often one other feature—outdated practices.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.