What is the science of reading? The basics for families

Audio Version:  English

The science of reading is a growing collection of information from research that shows how people’s brains best learn to read and write.

Scientists of all kinds (education, neuroscience, speech-language, and more) have explored how people learn to read and tested the best way for teachers to teach reading and writing.

How does the science get used within schools?

Schools in Ohio are required to select from a set of approved materials to teach reading that are based on this collection of research. When students are struggling with reading, there are additional materials and strategies that schools can use to support them. Want to know more? Read the Ohio Revised Code (Ohio Law) 3313.6028 and you can find the list of Approved English Language Arts core curriculum and instructional materials from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s website.

What do students need to be taught, according to this research?

To be fluent readers and writers, students should be taught reading and writing directly from the teacher, and in an ordered way that teaches basic skills first. We know that new skills for reading should be introduced one at a time, with lots of chances for students to practice the skills they have already learned. We call this way of teaching reading and writing Structured Literacy.

Why is reading a challenge for some kids?

Learning to speak is natural for most of our brains. It happens without specific teaching. Our writing system is an invented code and is not natural for our brains to learn. Our writing system uses letters as symbols to represent the sounds in speech. We must be taught how the symbols, when put together, build words and represent meaning. Good reading instruction helps to connect the spoken language areas of our brain to the areas that identify symbols (letters) in the visual area. With enough practice, a network forms in the brain that allows us to see a written word and rapidly know both its meaning and how it is pronounced. Learn about dyslexia, which can affect learning to read for up to 1 in 5 people.

Why do schools, parents, and others who support reading and writing development all need to be paying attention to the Science of Reading?

In the past, colleges and universities did not teach all teachers the science of reading. They often taught teachers to provide reading instruction using other methods like Balanced Literacy or Whole Language. Some large companies that were writing the curriculum for schools also told schools to use materials that were not based in science, for many years. As a result, many families had to pay for expensive tutoring and testing outside of the school system to figure out why their children could not read, especially if their child was dyslexic.

In Ohio and most other states, laws and policies have been put in place so that schools will teach reading based on the science of reading. Teachers are provided with training and resources to make sure they are following the science when they teach reading, in all subject areas. But, there are still many materials and teaching methods being used that do not follow the science.

What the science of reading is not

Signs that the science of reading is not being used

Ways to Learn More

Our Center partnered with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Ohio families to develop this information.