I’ve hesitated to weigh in on this topic because some might see it as simply jumping on the “Reading Wars” bandwagon. I also assumed that the problems posed by improper implementation of the Science of Reading would eventually balance out. But the huge disservice currently being done to K-3 children through a misguided interpretation of SoR seems to be getting much, much worse instead of better.

For example, over the past few months, I’ve heard the following: “If you have a Guided Reading library, throw those books out and replace them with decodable readers!” “Do not let children attempt to read any book until they have mastered the phonics rules because they might guess at words.” “The science clearly supports a ‘phonics-only’ approach in kindergarten and first grade.” It’s important to note that each of those statements was made by people conducting SoR trainings … and then blindly accepted by most educators because, well, those are the experts, right?

To say that many of us find such statements appalling is a major understatement. Assertions like these fly in the face of decades of reputable, peer-reviewed reading research. Admittedly, such claims do help sell product (millions of dollars worth) … but these and similar one-sided statements hardly reflect what we know to be best when teaching young children to read.

I was also hesitant because although I’m very knowledgeable and passionate about this subject, I’m hardly a national expert. And there’s the further complication that SoR has been mandated by state law. Plus some aspects of SoR can indeed be very helpful when properly implemented (as opposed to an either/or approach).

However, I recently breathed a sigh of relief when Tim Shanahan hit the Phonics First/Phonics Only issue head-on in his Blog. Shanahan is one of the country’s most respected researchers, and he has decades of experience in this area, including serving on the historic National Reading Panel in 2000. His balanced comments are an absolute must-read for K-3 teachers or administrators who want to clearly understand this issue!

Feel free to pass this along.