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Science Research on Reading Instruction

Reading | Literature 

anna

Senior Member
How are you and your district doing with the resurgence of the Science supported research regarding Reading instruction? I've just reviewed a set of modules on the Orton Gillingham approach that I purchased awhile ago and must say I love the approach. Always have.Some districts are and have been so resistant to what works .
 
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Sbkangas5

Senior Member
My whole school is taking LETRS training and it is, finally, having the needed effect of getting most of our staff on board to really look closely at our instruction and curriculum. I've been waiting years and it's making me SO happy!
 

Zia

Senior Member
Structured literacy has changed EVERYTHING about how I teach!

For 2 years in a row, I have 100% of my gen ed students proficient on state tests...about 60% of them are level 5, advanced.

The years before that, I ran about 40% proficient... which jibes perfectly with Nancy Young's Ladder of Reading.
 

anna

Senior Member
The other day I saw an eloquent response to Sold a Story. It was posted in a Facebook group . The author pointed out that it wasn't until the parents of white children in New York City noticed reading problems within the neighborhood's children,that the issues were thoroughly examined by a journalist. The author of this response points out that minority children have had the same results for many years in districts with ineffective curriculum. Lots to think about with her point.
 

Sbkangas5

Senior Member
The other day I saw an eloquent response to Sold a Story. It was posted in a Facebook group . The author pointed out that it wasn't until the parents of white children in New York City noticed reading problems within the neighborhood's children,that the issues were thoroughly examined by a journalist. The author of this response points out that minority children have had the same results for many years in districts with ineffective curriculum. Lots to think about with her point.
For so long it's been blamed on poverty, lack of resources, etc. Now that we are finally back to looking at the actual research it's slowly changing. I just cringe when I hear people say it's yet another swing of the education pendulum. Nope, it's science, not a fad.
 

Zia

Senior Member
The other day I saw an eloquent response to Sold a Story. It was posted in a Facebook group . The author pointed out that it wasn't until the parents of white children in New York City noticed reading problems within the neighborhood's children,that the issues were thoroughly examined by a journalist. The author of this response points out that minority children have had the same results for many years in districts with ineffective curriculum. Lots to think about with her point.
Racism and inequity are rampant and both stink.
 
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Zia

Senior Member
For so long it's been blamed on poverty, lack of resources, etc. Now that we are finally back to looking at the actual research it's slowly changing. I just cringe when I hear people say it's yet another swing of the education pendulum. Nope, it's science, not a fad.
And blaming parents!

"Oh, but did you read to your child??"

Yeah, that's not how this works. UGH
 

LaFish

Senior Member
I am retired and taught K for many years. I am curious as to what is so different with the new approach. Could someone direct me to a website or video? I have no plans to return to teaching but occasionally I am asked for suggestions to help a child learn to read. What am I missing? What are the approaches that make me want to take a peek inside a classroom?
 

anna

Senior Member
Try this link

No more Teaching Manuals that give very little time for structured and systematic word study and assessment. No more "guess the word by looking at the picture." I remember a fourth grade Fountas and Pinnell manual that literally recommended five to ten mins of word study. I was an intervention teacher. This did not work 😏
 

WordFountain

Senior Member
@anna Thanks for this article. It’s perfect timing. I’m beginning to teach my 4 yo to read and I “know” what to do but was getting stumped on getting past the initial letters, sounds, word families. I’m trained in Wilson Fundations and am looking for concrete materials/resources (UFLI, etc).
 

anna

Senior Member
I spoiled myself with products from reallygoodstuff and Lakeshore. I also had several libraries of decodable readers that I had to invest in over the years due to poor curriculum choices by admin. When I retired I gave most of my hands on reading and writing materials away to a beginning teacher. Good luck with teaching your son!
 

SportingKC

Senior Member
I took the first LETRS course this year, and I did have the moment where I was like, WTF have I been doing the past 17 years. Our school had one cohort this year, but has opened up several different cohorts for LETRS next year. I think it can be a game changer, especially if teachers are still using the 3 cueing method.

I am so looking forward to taking the 2nd course next year (hopefully...as I switch districts they're trying to get me in).

My state is actually pushing LETRS hard. Paying for it and I believe paying for some of the time it takes to complete. I don't think this is a bad use of money at all. As Anna mentioned, there is a significant difference in reading scores between our children of color and our white families.
 

Zia

Senior Member
I took the first LETRS course this year, and I did have the moment where I was like, WTF have I been doing the past 17 years. Our school had one cohort this year, but has opened up several different cohorts for LETRS next year. I think it can be a game changer, especially if teachers are still using the 3 cueing method.

I am so looking forward to taking the 2nd course next year (hopefully...as I switch districts they're trying to get me in).

My state is actually pushing LETRS hard. Paying for it and I believe paying for some of the time it takes to complete. I don't think this is a bad use of money at all. As Anna mentioned, there is a significant difference in reading scores between our children of color and our white families.
I am forever grateful to my state ed dept. They mandated LETRS for all K-5 teachers + SpEd + interventionists AND they pay us salary rate 19.5 hours per unit. So, yeah, they paid me mover than $9K to take LETRS...and barely 6 months before that, I was begging my P to scrounge up the money for me to take it!
 

Zia

Senior Member
I am such a visible learner. I would love to see Zia in action!
You are 100% welcome to visit my classroom! Since I know you aren't local, instead, I could make a video next year, show you an example of our structured literacy block? Is that weird?
 

anna

Senior Member
And the Redwoods in Northern California are full of adventures for you at anytime. We have a separate apartment,great views and springtime sunshine with sprinkles here and there .
 

Zia

Senior Member
And the Redwoods in Northern California are full of adventures for you at anytime. We have a separate apartment,great views and springtime sunshine with sprinkles here and there .
I will totally take you up on that offer! xo
 

luvmycat

Senior Member
This could definitely be a road trip!
I’m serious, all my trainings met a handful of students. I could never reach the results that you are making. I love your data!
@Zia
 

 

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