91制片厂视频

The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including in this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
Reading & Literacy Project

Science of Reading: Where Rhetoric Meets Reality

A national movement seeks to change how reading is taught. Will it work?

More than half the states have passed laws or policies mandating a 鈥渟cience of reading鈥 approach to early literacy.

In a sense, these mandates mark the end of one story鈥攖hat of the activists and educators who have pushed forcefully for an evidence-backed approach to reading. But they鈥檙e only the beginning of another story鈥攖he monumental challenge of shifting teaching practices on the ground, classroom by classroom.

Are states providing enough coaching for teachers to feel comfortable with an approach still unfamiliar to many of them? Have they provided curriculum and teaching models in time? Are they selecting trainings and materials backed by science? Where is teaching truly changing, and where are old habits still holding on?

This incisive project, the brainchild of reporter Sarah Schwartz, aims to tell that story through the lens of North Carolina, whose challenges mirror those of many states. With reading scores in the middle of the pack, the Tar Heel state passed reading legislation in 2021鈥攁longside nearly a dozen other states. Now it鈥檚 wrestling with dueling goals: wanting to move quickly, but also wanting the changes to stick.

We hope the series will give you new insights about the challenge of shaping teaching at scale鈥攁nd how these educators鈥 experience can inform your own journey, whether as a teacher, administrator, or policymaker.

鈥擲tephen Sawchuk, Assistant Managing Editor, 91制片厂视频 Week




  • Why Putting the 'Science of Reading' Into Practice Is So Challenging
    Philosophical disagreements, a rushed rollout, and a lack of ready-to-use materials have complicated one state's journey.



Reading & Literacy Project Second Time鈥檚 A Charm? A State Revamps Reading Instruction鈥擜gain
By prioritizing supports, North Carolina experts say its new 鈥渟cience of reading鈥 law corrects flaws from a past effort.
10 min read
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C. The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
First grader Makai Parker practices reading skills at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C.
Kate Medley for 91制片厂视频 Week
Reading & Literacy Project What Is LETRS? Why One Training Is Dominating 'Science of Reading' Efforts
The intensive, expensive teacher training has boomed鈥攂ut what does it include? And does it work?
12 min read
Monica Littlefield teaches reading skills to her first grade class at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
Monica Littlefield teaches reading skills to her first grade class at Eastern Elementary School in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
Kate Medley for 91制片厂视频 Week
Reading & Literacy Project States Are Pushing Changes to Reading Instruction. But Old Practices Prove Hard to Shake
Many teachers are receiving new training and materials. But 6 in 10 of them still use a debunked method.
10 min read
The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this classroom at Lacy Elementary in Raleigh, N.C.
The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including this classroom at Lacy Elementary in Raleigh, N.C.
Kate Medley for 91制片厂视频 Week
  • Data

    Reading interventionist Laura Beth Ross teaches reading skills to first graders at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
    Reading interventionist Laura Beth Ross teaches reading skills to first graders at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C., on May 23, 2022.
    Kate Medley for 91制片厂视频 Week
    Reading & Literacy Tracker Which States Have Passed 'Science of Reading' Laws? What's in Them?
    91制片厂视频 Week tracks which states mandate that schools use evidence-based methods to teach young students how to read.
    Sarah Schwartz, July 20, 2022
    1 min read

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Lead image: The state of North Carolina is taking measures to improve reading rates in elementary schools, including in this first grade classroom at Eastern Elementary in Washington, N.C.
鈥擪ate Medley for 91制片厂视频 Week