More pushback from experts against the “Science Of Reading”

by Alfie Kohn via Twitter

More pushback from experts against the “#ScienceOfReading” propaganda campaign. From a Literacy Research Assn. report: “The idea that there is a ‘settled science’ that has determined the only approach to the teaching of reading is simply wrong.” (link)

“Evidence does not justify the use of a heavy & near-exclusive focus on phonics instruction, either in regular classrooms, or for [kids having trouble] learning to read.” Likewise, “neither the nature nor the existence of dyslexia is settled science.” (link)

Add that report to last year’s thorough examination of multiple metanalyses in Ed Psych Review, which found “little or no evidence that [systematic phonics] is more effective than many of the most common alternative methods…including whole language.” (link)

Notably, “a careful review of the National Reading Panel (2000) findings shows that the benefits of systematic phonics for reading text, spelling, & comprehension are weak & short-lived, with reduced or no benefits for low-achieving poor readers beyond grade 1.”

And subsequent re-analyses cast even the NRP’s weak findings of benefit into doubt. There are “few areas in psychology in which the research community so consistently [claims] a conclusion that is so at odds with available evidence” as the defense of teaching phonics. (link)

This year, 3 other literacy experts challenged claims that direct phonics instruction (or, worse, mandating it for all children) is a prerequisite for attaining proficiency at real reading – or, more absurdly, that such an approach is “science-based.” (link)

And yet another expert has explained that “the impact of intensive phonics is clear only [on] tests in which children pronounce lists of words in isolation. It is minuscule or absent on tests of reading comprehension after 1st grade.” (link)

Finally, my own lengthy (but older) take on teaching reading: (link)
Alas, trying to reason with the science-in-name-only “Science of Reading” partisans is like trying to do so with anti-vaxxers. Skeptical? Dig into all the documents this thread links to.

Read original post here.

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