Understanding the Science of Reading

As of November 2024, 40 states and the District of Columbia have introduced laws or policies supporting evidence-based reading instruction – a shift widely praised by educators and experts alike. 

At the core of this movement is the Science of Reading, a research-based approach that has revolutionized how literacy is taught.

But what makes the Science of Reading so effective? 

Rooted in decades of research, this methodology equips students with proven strategies to develop strong literacy skills.

This guide breaks down the core principles, instructional methods, and real-world impact of the Science of Reading, providing educators and parents with the insights they need to support young readers.

The Science of Reading: What is it?

The Science of Reading is a research-based approach to literacy instruction, built on decades of studies in cognitive science, linguistics, and education. 

It focuses on skills essential for reading proficiency such as: 

•  Phonemic awareness 
• Phonics 
• Vocabulary development 
• Fluency 
• Comprehension 

Educators can support all learners, including those with dyslexia and other reading challenges, through structured, evidence-backed instruction, including: 

• Explicit teaching methods 
• Multisensory techniques
• Professional learning communities

The impact of the Science of Reading is clear: improved reading skills, especially for struggling students, leading to better academic outcomes. 

Despite facing challenges, such as disparities in access to high-quality instruction, the Science of Reading remains an important tool in closing learning gaps and ensuring that every child can succeed in reading. 

We can create a more equitable and educated society for future generations by supporting and advocating for evidence-based reading instruction.

How the Science of Reading Took Shape

The Science of Reading has its roots in decades of research in cognitive psychology, linguistics, neuroscience, and education.

Jeanne Chall, Arthur Gates, and Keith Stanovich helped lay the groundwork for understanding how kids learn to read. In doing so, they pinpointed the most effective methods for teaching reading.

A crucial point in developing The Science of Reading was the emergence of the "reading wars" in the late 20th century. 

Advocates for the whole language teaching approach valued reading literature and utilizing context hints. Supporters of phonics teaching focus on connecting letters with sounds for better learning outcomes.

The debate between whole language and phonics teaching showed that phonics instruction helps kids learn to read. This research led to the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading combines research from: 

• Cognitive science 
• Linguistics
• Educational psychology
  
  
  

5 Core Principles of the Science of Reading:

The Science of Reading follows key principles for guidance.

1. Phonemic Awareness: Refers to a student's ability to recognize and manipulate individual sounds, or phonemes, in spoken words. Studies have demonstrated that phonemic awareness skills are a powerful indicator of reading proficiency.
2. Phonics Instruction: Teaching the correlation between letters and sounds. Learning phonics allows students to decode words accurately and fluently. The Science of Reading places systematic and explicit phonics instruction at its core.
3. Vocabulary Development: Understanding vocabulary is crucial for reading comprehension. The Science of Reading emphasizes providing chances for students to encounter and utilize new words in their spoken language.
4. Fluency: Fluency is the skill to read text accurately, swiftly, and with expression. Instruction focuses on reading smoothly and with expression, improving word recognition and the rhythm of oral reading.
5. Comprehension Strategies: The Science of Reading incorporates explicit instruction in comprehension strategies, such as prediction, questioning, summarizing, and linking text with previous knowledge. These strategies assist students in understanding and interacting with texts on a deeper level.
   
   

Effective Methods in the Science of Reading:

The Science of Reading takes a grounded, research based approach.

Some key methodologies include:

1. Explicit Instruction: Explicit instruction directly teaches students the skills and strategies they need to become proficient readers.
   
   This systematic, sequential, and scaffolded approach provides:
   
   • Clear explanations 
   • Modeling 
   • Guided practice
   • Feedback
     
     
2. Structured Literacy:  Structured literacy instruction systematically and explicitly integrates: 
   
   
   • Phonological awareness 
   • Phonics 
   • Vocabulary 
   • Fluency
   • Comprehension
     
     
3. Multisensory Techniques: Multisensory instruction engages auditory, visual, and kinesthetic, to enhance learning and memory. 
   
   Techniques such as using manipulatives, sounding out words, and tapping out sounds help reinforce phonemic awareness and phonics skills.
   
   
4. Modified Instruction: Modified instruction involves tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students.
   
   In the Science of Reading, teachers use ongoing assessment data to identify students' strengths and areas for growth. Then they adjust instruction accordingly.
   
   
5. Collaborative Professional Learning Communities: Professional learning communities (PLCs) allow educators to collaborate, share best practices, and reflect on their teaching.
   
   In the Science of Reading, PLCs help teachers use proven teaching methods. They also help analyze student data to improve instruction.
   
   

The Science of Reading’s Impact on Literacy

The Science of Reading is making a difference. Schools that follow this research-backed approach are seeing real progress, especially among students who struggle with reading.

In 1997, Congress brought together a group of literacy experts to study how kids learn to read. Their findings, published in 2000 as the National Reading Panel Report, highlighted five important building blocks of reading: 

1. Phonemic awareness – hearing and working with the individual sounds in words. A simple way to build this skill is with a sound map, which helps students practice focused listening.
   
   [Download Inchy’s Sound Map for Free]
   
   
2. Phonics – understanding the relationship between letters and sounds
   
   
3. Fluency – reading with speed, accuracy, and expression
   
   
4. Vocabulary – knowing and understanding the meaning of words
   
   
5. Comprehension – making meaning from what is read

Their research confirmed that a structured approach to phonics helps students develop strong reading skills, particularly in the early years.

Programs like Orton-Gillingham and Wilson Reading System have reinforced these findings, helping students who need extra support build confidence and become stronger readers.

The Science of Reading is transforming how teachers approach reading in the classroom and shaping education policy.

Many states now require schools to use research-backed literacy programs, and teacher training programs are shifting to reflect these methods. More than ever, teachers are getting the tools and support they need to help students thrive.

Science of Reading in Practice: What’s Working, What’s Not

While more schools are adopting the Science of Reading, making the shift isn’t always easy. 

Some teachers were trained in different methods, such as whole language or balanced literacy, and may not have received the support they needed to transition to a structured approach. 

Without proper training, even well-meaning educators can struggle to apply these methods effectively.

• Access to quality literacy instruction also varies widely. Students from low-income communities, English language learners, and those with disabilities often face additional barriers because of: Limited school resources 
• Larger class sizes 
• A lack of specialized support

Expanding professional development, improving access to structured literacy programs, and providing classroom resources can help bridge these gaps.

By focusing on research-backed instruction and giving teachers the right support, we can create classrooms where every child can grow into a confident, capable reader. 

When schools, educators, and families work together, we can set students up for long-term success – one step, one lesson, and one book at a time.

The Science of Reading: A Path Forward

The Science of Reading combines time-tested literacy principles with modern research to provide students with the fundamental skills needed for reading fluency. 

Prioritizing evidence-based instruction, this approach helps bridge learning gaps and supports long-term academic success.

Supporting the Science of Reading means giving teachers the tools and strategies that work, so every child has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills. 

Together, we can build a more knowledgeable and equitable future – one where all students have the foundation to succeed.

Bring the Science of Reading to Life in Your School

Support your Science of Reading efforts with tools that motivate students and celebrate progress. Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine brings excitement to reading and helps schools turn evidence-based instruction into lasting impact.

This article was originally published in June of 2024 and was recently updated to reflect current industry standards.