The Science of Reading is a research-based approach to helping each and every student achieve literacy through the combination of phonics, vocabulary, and content familiarity. The Simple View of Reading has been empirically validated by over 150 scientific studies. It shows us that reading comprehension is not the sum, but the product of two components - word recognition and language comprehension - such that if either one is weak, reading comprehension is diminished. No amount of skill in one component can compensate for a lack of skill in the other. For a more in-depth understanding of the subcomponents within word recognition (WR) and language comprehension (LC), we turn next to Scarborough’s Reading Rope.
 

 

What is the Science of Reading?

     The Reading League defines it this way: “The science of reading is a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research about reading and issues related to reading and writing. This research has been conducted over the last five decades across the world and it is derived from thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. The science of reading has culminated in a preponderance of evidence to  inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some have difficulty; and how we can most effectively assess and teach and therefore, improve student outcomes through prevention of and intervention for reading difficulties.” 

 

Although the scientific evidence base for effective reading has existed for decades, the term “the science of reading” has gained traction in the last few years, potentially leading to misunderstandings. The Science of Reading: Defining Guide provides a firm definition of what the science of reading is, what it is not, and how all stakeholders can understand its potential to transform reading instruction.   

 

 

What Is Scarborough’s Reading Rope?

     The Science of Reading shows us how complicated it is for the brain to learn to read. The Reading Rope makes this easier to understand by breaking it down into parts, helping us see and appreciate the amazing process of learning to read. In 2001, Dr. Hollis Scarborough introduced the Reading Rope, to illustrate how different skills work together to help students become good readers. It explains that understanding language and recognizing words are like strands in a rope. When these strands are woven together tightly, they create strong, skilled readers.

     The Reading Rope consists of lower and upper strands, and when these components intertwine, they lead to skilled, accurate, and fluent reading with strong comprehension.

• Language Comprehension
  • Background Knowledge
  • Vocabulary
  • Language Structures
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Literacy Knowledge

• Word Recognition
  • Phonological Awareness
  • Decoding
  • Sight Recognition

 

 

 

What is Structured Literacy?

According to the International Dyslexia Association (IDA),  “Structured literacy explicitly teaches systematic word-identification/decoding strategies. These benefit most students and are vital for those with dyslexia.” Structured literacy uses proven methods from the Science of Reading research to teach reading and writing through a systematic, explicit, sequential and cumulative approach. Structured Literacy attends to the strands of Scarborough’s Reading Rope. With structured literacy, students are explicitly taught the skills and concepts needed to become proficient readers. The method is characterized by the following principles: 
 

 

1. Concepts are taught in a logical order, starting with the most basic and moving to more complex. (Systematic)
2. Each step builds on the previous one. (Cumulative)
3. Teachers clearly explain and model key skills, and provide immediate feedback. (Explicit) 
4. Teachers use assessment to inform instruction and provide individualized support. (Diagnostic)
5. An approach that integrates various methods to cater to different learning styles. (Multimodal)

 

 

 

Why Science of Reading matters for families & communities?

As we work to prepare students for college and/or their future careers, the demands on students and teachers are always changing. Our Portrait of a Graduate Core Competencies uses Science of Reading research to support students build strong literacy skills, which are crucial for their future success. This vision reflects our community’s hopes for all students and has shaped our district’s new strategic plan, Our Blueprint for the Future.

Our Blueprint for the Future emphasizes that equity means giving every child what they need to reach their full academic and social potential. Without research-based instruction that includes both word recognition and language comprehension, students might not develop the necessary skills for effective reading.

By empathizing with all students in our district, we understand why our strategic priorities of empathy and equity are vital. They ensure that all students have access to high-quality instructional materials based on the Science of Reading.

Every Student, Every Story: Powering Futures through Literacy Gwinnett County Public Schools is actively working to increase awareness among families and staff about the importance of literacy, supporting opportunities to strengthen students' reading skills, and emphasizing the science of reading.