It is important to know not only the foundational skills necessary in becoming proficient readers, but the science behind how this occurs. Knowing the science behind reading may help answer many questions about what is preventing a student from putting the pieces together to read successfully. Why is it that many teachers do not know the science behind reading? I will admit myself that my undergraduate and graduate programs did not focus on the foundational skills of reading in detail nor did it focus on the science behind reading difficulty. Having this plethora of knowledge most likely would have geared me to teach early childhood versus upper elementary grades.
So why don’t more educators know about these research based practices behind the science of reading?
It’s pretty simple: most teacher preparation programs were/are not equipped with scientifically grounded research to teach these concepts.
According to the National Council of Teacher Quality (NCTQ) only 29% of institutions required classes that connected to four out of the five pillars of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension) and the majority of schools focused on two or fewer of these components (Moats & Tolman, 2019).
It is also important to note that a study was done showing professors did not have the adequate amount of education in research or scientific methods to effectively teach about the science of reading and language. This is sad! Students pay a hefty amount of money to attend college and one is still not receiving the most equitable education that will actually strengthen their pedagogy.
So what can be done?
Fortunately a lot! But it all depends on your drive as an educator and how much you are willing to learn, no matter how old you are or how long you have been teaching. One of the many reasons I fell in love with the education field is that learning is never-ending. If one is receptive to learning, the benefits you and your students will experience will be life and career changing.
Consider these suggestions:
Read! I know, I know…as much as we urge and stress to our students how important it is to read we as educators may not be reading enough. I’m not talking about leisure reading but reading that will increase your content, and pedagogical knowledge. Research based journals are the best along with literacy content texts focused on foundational skills and the science of reading.
Practice- In order to fully understand what you have read it’s imperative to put it into practice. See what works and what does not work for you and your students and modify along the way, but remember to modify based on what research may suggest.
PLC/ILT- Join your school's professional learning or instructional learning team. This is the best way to gain a clearer understanding of your school building leader’s vision and the steps the school community is taking to get there. It’s also a great way to collaborate and be exposed to new content.
Cuenye Consultants wishes you the best in your teaching development and practice this year.
If you would like to schedule a free 30 minute consultation please contact us at info@cuenye.com
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