You may have heard the term “the science of reading” and thought, what exactly are they talking about? Well, there is no one definition… the term refers to using teaching strategies that are based on decades of research in multiple fields of studies that have given us insight into teaching people how to read.  The New York Times has published articles in 2023 and 2024, and PBS has also published on the topic. The basics of what is saying is that the way reading has been taught (balanced literacy) is not working for all students (especially struggling readers). The science of reading advocates for phonics-based instruction, saying we need to teach phonics or an understanding of the connections between letters and the sounds they make (or the sounds combinations of letters make). This understanding allows students to decode or sound out words. However, a broad vocabulary and comprehension skills are also necessary (points out critics of the movement, though some in the movement also call for these to be included).

Multiple factors have contributed to the momentum of the science of reading movement, including the COVID-19 pandemic, online schooling, students needing to make up for lost academic ground that occurred due to the pandemic, and racial justice movements. Some school districts and programs that train teachers in different areas across the nation have been hesitant to adopt a science of reading approach. However, the initial research when implementing science of reading programming is promising.

Delaware passed Senate Bill No. 4 (2022), focusing on improving literacy for kindergarten through 3rd grade students. Here is a simple breakdown of what it means:

• The Department of Education must maintain and publish a list of evidence-based reading instruction programs (or curricula) for kindergarten to 3rd grade.

o   Each program must align with the essential components of literacy, otherwise known as “the science of reading.” Therefore, it must be based on solid research.

o   Each program must also use high-quality instruction materials.

• All public schools (school districts and charter schools) must choose and utilize a program from this list.

School Districts and charter schools must submit an annual report to the Department of Education summarizing their programs and how they have implemented them.

Senate Substitute No. 1 requires that by the beginning of the 2027 – 2028 school year, school districts and charter schools servicing children in kindergarten through 3rd grade:

• Adopt a reading instruction program (curriculum) from the Department of Education list.

• Demonstrate that all educators who teach reading successfully complete professional development aligned with the essential components of evidence-based reading instruction

• Identify a school-based supervisory position responsible for assisting with implementing the adopted curriculum.

 Here is a page with more information on the bill - https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/99317

 The Reading League Compass provided some of this information and more about evidence-based reading instruction in the state of Delaware, which can be found at - https://www.thereadingleague.org/compass/policymakers-and-state-education-agencies/delaware/