Science of Reading Training & Professional Development Resources

The Science of Reading is a large body of research on how children learn to read and the most effective strategies for effective reading instruction. Based on over 40 years of research and analysis, the Science of Reading helps educators identify best practices for classroom instruction, differentiation, and intervention. The goal of the Science of Reading is to ensure that all students receive the instruction and support they need to develop the strong reading skills necessary to succeed in school and in life.

For example, the Science of Reading indicates that all students need explicit, systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

It is important to recognize that the Science of Reading is not a specific program or curriculum, but rather a set of evidence-based best practices that help inform and guide high-quality reading instruction. Today, many reading and literacy programs — such as the evidence-based programs from Savvas Learning Company — are designed to help teachers align instruction and practice with the core principles of the Science of Reading.

To learn more about the Science of Reading, download The Science of Reading Simplified eBook, which explains the Science of Reading in simple, straightforward terms for educators. Get your free copy here.

There are many types of professional development available for educators who are interested in learning more about the Science of Reading. Some of the most common formats include:

• Conferences, conventions, and other in-person events focused on reading, literacy, or language arts often offer sessions focused on the Science of Reading. Look for local or regional organizations, or local or regional chapters of national organizations, to learn about professional development and networking events in your area.
• Many schools and districts provide workshops and teacher training focused on the Science of Reading during professional development days. Coaching and mentoring services may also be available through your school or district. Ask your curriculum director, reading coach, or principal about training opportunities in your school or district.
• Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide a great opportunity for educators to collaborate and share their knowledge, resources, and best practices with colleagues. PLCs can be a great way to learn how your fellow teachers are implementing the Science of Reading in their classrooms.
• A wealth of free online resources are available for educators who are looking for independent, self-paced study. These resources can include live and on-demand webinars, eBooks, blogs, podcasts, educational videos, and more.

A great place to get started with your Science of Reading professional development is Savvas Learning Company’s Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf, which provides access to dozens of free online resources from expert educators and researchers like Dr. Sharon Vaughn, Dr. Ernest Morrell, Dr. Young-Suk Kim, Dr. Freddy Hiebert, Dr. Alfred Tatum, and more.

The first step is to learn about the Science of Reading: What is it, and why does it matter for K-12 education? A good way to start your Science of Reading journey is The Science of Reading Simplified, an eBook that explains the Science of Reading in simple, straightforward terms for educators. Download your free copy here.

Other professional learning materials on the Science of Reading can be found on the Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf. On the Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf, educators can find free webinars, podcasts, eBooks, blogs, and more, many featuring literacy experts, researchers, and authors like Dr. Sharon Vaughn and Dr. Alfred Tatum. Sign up for your free access here.

One of the most important tools for implementing practices based on the Science of Reading in the classroom is a high-quality curriculum that aligns with evidence from the Science of Reading. Programs founded in the Science of Reading will provide lesson plans and other resources that leverage explicit, systematic instruction to teach students how to read using research-based best practices.

When evaluating a core reading program for its alignment with the Science of Reading, consider:

• Does the program provide explicit, systematic instruction in the key components of the Science of Reading: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension?
• Does the program provide multiple opportunities for students to apply and practice essential reading skills in context and through integrated instruction? In other words, does the program avoid teaching skills in isolation?
• Does the program avoid “red flag” practices such as the three-cueing system?
• Does the program provide all students with the opportunity to engage with grade-level texts with appropriate scaffolding?
• Was the program developed in partnership with literacy experts and researchers who have a deep understanding of the Science of Reading?

Savvas Learning Company provides several high-quality, research-based programs aligned with the Science of Reading, including effective core curricula, targeted supplemental programs, and adaptive personalized learning. Explore Science of Reading-aligned solutions and request free samples.

There are many programs available that claim to be aligned with the Science of Reading. When evaluating a program for alignment with the Science of Reading, consider asking key questions such as:

• For core curriculum programs, does the program feature daily explicit, systematic instruction in the five components of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension?
• Is there connected writing instruction?
• For supplemental programs, does the program provide explicit, systematic instruction in at least one of the five components of reading? Will the program complement or support your current core curriculum?
• Has the program been evaluated by a neutral third-party organization, such as EdReports.org? How was the program rated?
• Does the program have efficacy studies or data showing that it helps improve students’ reading achievement when implemented with fidelity?
• Who developed the program? Were literacy experts involved in the development of the program? Which experts, and what are their credentials?
• Who publishes the program? Is the publisher a trustworthy company?
• What do other schools or districts say about the program? Are case studies or success stories available?
• Does the program provide scaffolding or differentiation supports for students with unique learning needs? Does the program provide extension or challenge activities for students who are working above grade level? 

Asking questions such as these can help identify high-quality, evidence-based programs that align with the Science of Reading and support effective instruction and practice in the classroom.

Savvas Learning Company provides several high-quality, research-based programs aligned with the Science of Reading, including effective core curricula, targeted supplemental programs, and adaptive personalized learning. Explore our Science of Reading-aligned solutions and request free samples here.

School and district leaders play an essential role in the implementation of the Science of Reading in the classroom. Here are key steps that school and district leaders can take to support teachers in implementing the Science of Reading:

• Learn about the Science of Reading. While busy administrators do not necessarily need to become experts in the topic, understanding the basics can be extremely helpful when supporting classroom educators in their Science of Reading implementations. 
• Regularly observe classrooms to ensure all students have access to high-quality, evidence-based literacy instruction in the classroom. Resources like the Science of Reading Classroom Observation Checklist can be helpful tools when observing classrooms.
• Help teachers identify small, high-leverage action steps they can take to strengthen their implementation of the Science of Reading. This can be eliminating ineffective instructional strategies, such as the three-cueing system, and replacing them with more effective strategies, such as explicit instruction in decoding.
• Ensure teachers have access to high-quality instructional resources aligned with the Science of Reading. This may include adopting a new core curriculum, supplementing your existing core curriculum, and/or providing students with personalized learning for additional instruction and practice. Explore Science of Reading-aligned solutions from Savvas Learning Company and frequent your free samples here.
• Make sure your entire team has access to high-quality professional development or training about the Science of Reading, with a focus on practical application in instructional settings. Professional development could include bringing in external speakers (such as literacy experts and Science of Reading researchers), participating in online learning opportunities (such as webinars or online courses), forming study groups or PLCs (where colleagues can share insights and experience, discuss the latest research, and collaborate on data analysis and lesson planning), or sponsoring attendance at conventions or conferences where there will be sessions on the Science of Reading.

For more information about how school and district leaders can support teachers with the Science of Reading, be sure to read our blog, Starting with the Science of Reading: Everything Administrators Need to Know to Support Teachers.