Can We Really Fix the Low Reading Test Scores?
In a previous post, I shared why I think NAEP scores keep dropping, despite best efforts and billions of dollars spent. In that post, I named what I believe is…
Why NAEP Scores Keep Dropping: It’s Not Just Phonics
NAEP scores are commonly referred to here in the US. Often, we hear the statistic that 2/3 of our kids “can’t read.” The latest NAEP scores have just come out,…
The Best Tool for Integrated Literacy Instruction
Reading involves integration of a set of many skills, as is illustrated in the Reading Rope we’re all so familiar with. Whenever we can integrate, we deepen learning and save…
Academic Vocabulary: Helpful or Just Confusing?
We’ve all heard the jokes about the insane amount of acronyms used in the teaching profession. There are in-school terms like IEP and PLC. There are mnemonics like CUPS, TIDE,…
Direct Instruction Works—But Balance Makes It Better
On my X (Twitter) feed lately, I’m seeing a large amount of posts that advocate for teacher-dominated, whole group, explicit instruction. And it’s true–we do need to teach foundational skills–and…