The science of reading has gotten a lot of attention in recent years! Many schools have begun to look for science of reading curriculum. 

But this isn't necessarily an easy task. How do you know if a curriculum follows the science of reading? Why aren't many programs labeled "science of reading?" 

We'll explore these questions and more in this article.

First, let's start with a brief explanation of what the science of reading is.

The term “science of reading” is a wide body of research that encompasses phonological awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension instruction.

Sometimes people say "science of reading" to refer to something very specific - like phonics instruction - but the science of reading extends far beyond just phonics.

Next, let's tackle the issue of choosing a science of reading curriculum. Here are some key points to consider when you're researching a program:

Is the program research-based?

A program that is research-based has been developed around practices that research demonstrates to be effective.

For example, if you're focusing on the phonics portion of the science of reading, consider whether the program:

• Is systematic and explicit
• Focuses on patterns, not just "memorizing" individual words
• Addresses phonemic awareness (by itself, as well as in the context of reading and spelling words)
• Incorporates frequent review of previously-taught skills
• Includes hands-on, multi-sensory instruction
• Incorporates word practice in isolation (spelling and reading words by themselves) and in context (spelling and reading words in the context of sentences, paragraphs, and entire texts)
• Creates space and provides materials for differentiation

Is the program evidence-based?

If a program is evidence-based, this means that it has been shown to generate improvements in student achievement that are significantly greater than a "control" group.

It's important to understand that a program may be based on the science of reading, even if it's not labeled as such.

Also, because the science of reading encompasses a lot of research and components of literacy instruction, not all programs address every single component of the science of reading.

You may need to, for example, select a phonics and phonological awareness program (like From Sounds to Spelling), and then supplement that with a comprehension and vocabulary program.

On the flip side, it's important to note that just because a program is labeled as "science of reading" does not necessarily make it so.

It's our job, as educators and careful consumers, to read the research and evidence behind a program and understand if it does or does not match best practices.

To learn more about From Sounds to Spelling, a science of reading curriculum for phonics, sign up for a free trial and download the informational packet. That informational packet outlines the research behind the program, as well as the results of a yearlong study of student performance with the program.