• RTA: The Science of Reading

    Overview:

    “Science of Reading” (SoR) means evidence-based reading instruction practices that address the acquisition of language, phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension that can be differentiated to meet the needs of individual students. -NC DPI (Click)

    Resources:

    Article: What is the Science of Reading? LINK

    Science of Reading Video (Link)

    Important: Need to Know

    The Office of Early Learning developed a "Read to Achieve Implementation Guide" that outlines each component of the law and provides ongoing support and resources to ensure a science of reading-based approach to literacy. This guide includes the Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement and is continuously updated to ensure PSUs/districts are provided with ongoing updates and support of the Excellent Public School Act of 2021.

    The Office of Early Learning team works collaboratively with Lexia Voyager Sopris and district leaders to facilitate statewide implementation of the science of reading by providing Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional development for all Pre-K-5 teachers, K-5 Exceptional Children resource teachers, K-5 Multilingual teachers, as well as one instructional coach and administrator at each elementary school. This professional development provides NC educators the professional knowledge to become literacy and language experts in the science of reading to ensure students master the fundamentals of reading instruction and ultimately demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency.

    The Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement is informed by the Collaborative Guiding Framework for Early Literacy Education, developed and approved in 2019. This framework provides an outline of nine essential elements for improving student reading proficiency in the early grades:

    1. Develop a statewide definition of high-quality reading instruction 
    2. Improve focus on reading instruction in teacher preparation programs 
    3. Improve summer reading camp quality
    4. Provide reading coach supports in low-performing schools and districts
    5. Expand partnerships to support beginning teachers
    6. Ensure high-quality reading curriculum and instructional materials in elementary schools
    7. Explore a statewide system of training in reading for teachers, principals and reading coaches on the science of reading
    8. Provide flexibility in state funding to support district action on reading 
    9. Ensure access to high-quality PreK and strong early learning environments and transitions to kindergarten These elements, in alignment with legislation, are embedded within the 2022 NC Comprehensive Plan for Reading Achievement.
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