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Science of Reading

Articles and reviews in Science of Reading.

13 articles

AI reading tutors are everywhere. What the research says about whether they help kids learn phonics.

AI Tutoring Apps and Phonics: Promising or Problematic?

AI-powered reading tools have moved from novelty to a common fixture in classrooms. By 2026, adaptive phonics apps and AI reading tutors are in widespread use…

Over 40 states have passed science of reading laws. Here's what they require and what to ask your school.

Science of Reading Legislation: A State-by-State Overview

Over the past five years, 42 states and the District of Columbia have passed laws or adopted policies requiring schools to teach reading using evidence-based,…

Six dyslexia myths still circulating in schools, and the research that proves them wrong.

Dyslexia Myths That Are Still Hurting Kids

If misinformation about dyslexia were harmless, this article wouldn’t need to exist. But the myths still circulating in schools, pediatric offices, and even…

Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 kids. Structured literacy is the phonics approach that changes outcomes when started early.

The Dyslexia-Phonics Connection: Why Structured Literacy Is Non-Negotiable

If you’re reading this because something feels off with your child’s reading, trust that instinct. Roughly one in five kids in any classroom shows signs of…

Learn what a phonics scope and sequence is and why it's essential for building strong early readers.

Phonics Scope and Sequence: What It Is and Why It Matters

Imagine handing a child a jigsaw puzzle with no picture on the box and no guidance about where to begin. A few kids might figure it out eventually, but most…

What the alphabetic principle is and why it's the foundation of all reading success for every child.

The Alphabetic Principle: The One Concept That Changes Everything for Both Teachers and Parents

Right now, you’re reading these words without thinking about how you’re doing it. Your brain is instantly converting letters into sounds and sounds into…

School administrators play a vital role in successful phonics implementation. Learn what leaders need to know to support teachers and improve reading outcomes for all students.

Administrative Support for Phonics Programs: What Leaders Need to Know

School administrators face an enormous challenge. Reading scores have declined, the achievement gap persists, and teachers are stretched thin as they try to…

When parents question phonics instruction, understanding their concerns helps educators respond effectively. Learn how to address common worries and build trust around reading methods.

Parent Pushback: Addressing Concerns About Phonics Instruction

You’ve just announced that your school is implementing a new systematic phonics program. You expect relief. After all, reading scores have been declining, and…

Understanding why many teachers lack phonics training reveals gaps in teacher education programs and helps us support educators who want to teach reading effectively.

Why Most Teachers Weren’t Taught to Teach Phonics

If you’re a parent whose child is struggling to read, you might wonder why their teacher seems uncertain about phonics instruction. It’s a fair question, and…

Exploring two leading synthetic phonics approaches and what makes systematic phonics programs effective for teaching young readers to decode confidently.

Phonics First vs. Sounds-Write: Comparing Synthetic Phonics Programs

You’ve done your research. You understand that systematic synthetic phonics is a typical standard for teaching reading. You know your child or students need…

Understanding the Right to Read Act and state literacy laws that aim to ensure every student has access to evidence-based reading instruction and school library resources.

Right to Read Laws: What Parents and Educators Need to Know

The Right to Read Act, introduced in Congress, is an effort by lawmakers to address gaps in literacy instruction and library access. While legislation always…

Discover what makes phonics professional development effective for teachers. Learn which training elements lead to real classroom change and improved student outcomes.

Phonics Professional Development: Programs That Actually Work

It’s 3:30 on a Friday afternoon. Thirty exhausted teachers file into the library for mandatory professional development on phonics instruction. A consultant…

Learn why systematic phonics instruction is essential for homeschool success and how to implement a structured approach that builds confident, capable readers from the ground up.

Systematic Phonics for Homeschoolers: Building Readers Step by Step

Your kindergartener knows the alphabet song by heart. She can identify most letters when you point to them. She’s even started recognizing her name in print.…

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