THE SCIENCE OF READING BATTLE IS OVER BUT NOT THE READING WARS
The Reading Wars have been raging for over a century, with the phonics camp and the word recognition camp battling it out like a literary version of West Side Story. But now, it seems like the science of reading movement has emerged victorious, at least for the time being.
Forty-five states and Washington, DC have passed laws related to reading instruction in the past five years, with changes to school curriculum, teacher training, screenings for dyslexia, and testing requirements. It's like the Wild West of reading reform out there.
But is this really the end of the Reading Wars? Or are we just seeing a temporary ceasefire before the next battle breaks out?
One thing's for sure: the science of reading movement has some serious swagger. They're all like, "Phonics, schmonics. We've got science on our side." And who can argue with science? Well, some experts can, apparently. They caution that we shouldn't overemphasize phonics at the expense of other literacy skills.
But let's be real here. Phonics is like the avocado toast of reading instruction. It's trendy, it's hip, and everyone's talking about it. And just like avocado toast, it might not be the magic solution to all our problems, but it's definitely not hurting anyone.
And speaking of trendy things, have you heard about the commercially available materials claiming to adhere to the science of reading approach? It's like the reading version of those detox teas you see all over Instagram. Do they actually work? Who knows. But they sure do look pretty in their Instagram-worthy packaging.
But let's not forget about the other side of the Reading Wars. The word recognition camp might be feeling a little left out right now, but they'll be back. They're like that friend who always gets left behind when everyone else is going out to brunch, but then they show up at the last minute and order a mimosa like nothing ever happened.
So what can we expect from the future of reading instruction? Will phonics continue to reign supreme? Will word recognition make a comeback? Will we all just give up and become illiterate hermits living in caves? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the Reading Wars are far from over.
The push for phonics and “science of reading,” explained - Vox https://www.vox.com/23815311/science-of-reading-movement-literacy-learning-loss
Big Education Ape: “A case for why both sides in the ‘reading wars’ debate are wrong — and a proposed solution” Is 50% Wrong | radical eyes for equity http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-case-for-why-both-sides-in-reading.html
Big Education Ape: Four things you need to know about the new reading wars http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2020/03/four-things-you-need-to-know-about-new.html
Big Education Ape: The Reading Wars? Who’s Talking About Reading and Class Size? http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-reading-wars-whos-talking-about.html
Big Education Ape: DR PAUL THOMAS VS NYC DEPT. OF ED https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/05/dr-paul-thomas-vs-nyc-dept-of-ed.html