Science of Reading (Framework)
The Science of Reading is the framework—the foundation and rich soil that supports all learning. Based on decades of research, it provides the essential nutrients (phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension) that every child needs to develop strong reading skills. This research-based framework outlines everything necessary for a child’s reading success.
Specific Programs (Gardening Kits)
Specific programs, like Orton-Gillingham, are the ready-to-implement kits based on what Structured Literacy and the Science of Reading tell us. These programs provide the tools and structure needed for effective teaching. Think of them like choosing a gardening kit from Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Amazon—each offering a slightly different approach, but all carefully designed to help your child grow and thrive as a reader.
Structured Literacy (Gardening Plan)
Structured Literacy is the plan for how to implement that framework. It ensures that everything is explicit, direct, sequential, cumulative, multi-sensory, and individualized. Just like a detailed gardening plan, it carefully lays out each step in the learning process, ensuring steady and effective growth.
Effective Literacy Intervention
The Science of Reading (SoR) refers to a body of research from multiple disciplines, including cognitive psychology, neuroscience, speech language pathology, and education, that provides evidence-based insights into how people learn to read and what instructional practices are most effective. It highlights the importance of a systematic, structured approach to reading instruction that aligns with how the brain processes written language.
Direct & Explicit
Direct and explicit instruction is important because it clearly teaches learners what they need to know, step by step, with no confusion. By breaking down complex skills into manageable parts, it ensures students understand exactly what is expected and how to accomplish it. This approach is especially beneficial for struggling learners, as it provides clear guidance and immediate feedback. Direct and explicit instruction helps build strong foundational skills, ensures mastery before moving on, and makes learning more accessible, particularly for students with learning differences. It fosters confidence and success by leaving no room for ambiguity.
Cumulative
Cumulative instruction is important because it builds on what students have already learned, reinforcing skills and ensuring they master each concept before moving on to the next. By revisiting and practicing previous lessons, students retain knowledge, gain confidence, and develop a strong foundation for more complex skills. This approach helps prevent gaps in learning, encourages steady progress, and aligns with how the brain best processes and retains information. In reading, cumulative instruction ensures that foundational skills are solid before advancing to more challenging tasks, supporting long-term success.
Systematic
Systematic instruction is important because it follows a clear, organized sequence that ensures students learn in a logical, step-by-step manner. Each lesson builds on the previous one, creating a structured pathway for students to gradually master skills without missing key steps. This approach helps students retain information, understand concepts more deeply, and develop skills in a consistent and predictable way. Systematic instruction also makes it easier to identify and address any gaps in learning, providing a solid foundation for future progress and preventing confusion as students advance.
Multi-Sensory
Multi-sensory instruction is important because it engages multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—helping students learn more effectively by strengthening neural connections in the brain. By using different senses, students can better understand and retain information, especially when learning complex skills like reading. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, as it helps them process information in ways that are more accessible. Multi-sensory learning also keeps students engaged, improves focus, and supports long-term retention by reinforcing concepts through various channels.
Evidence Based
Evidence-based research is important because it ensures that the strategies and methods used in instruction are proven to be effective through rigorous studies and data. By relying on research-backed practices, educators can be confident they are using approaches that have been shown to work, rather than relying on guesswork or untested methods. This leads to more successful outcomes for students, especially those who may struggle with learning. Evidence-based research also helps ensure that interventions are continually improved and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, providing the best possible support for student success.
Individualized & Holistic
A holistic and individualized approach is important because it considers the whole child—academic, emotional, social, and developmental needs—ensuring that learning is tailored to each student’s unique strengths, challenges, and interests. This approach helps create a more personalized learning experience that promotes confidence, engagement, and overall well-being. By addressing not just academic skills but also how a child learns best, a holistic approach supports long-term success. It recognizes that every student is different and ensures that interventions are designed to meet their specific needs, leading to more effective and meaningful outcomes.