Cracking the Code: A Look at the Science of Reading
In a recent webinar panel hosted by WGU’s School of Education and Education Week, WGU program directors Dr. Amanda Kain, Dr. Jerad Crave and Dr. Elizabeth Allison delivered a dynamic and insightful session on the Science of Reading. The discussion unpacked the foundational research, instructional strategies and practical classroom applications–which are aligned with the school’s teacher preparation curriculum–that empower educators to teach reading more effectively, based on decades of scientific evidence.
The panel kicked off by dispelling a common myth: the Science of Reading isn't a curriculum or a one-size-fits-all program. Rather, it's “a vast interdisciplinary body of scientifically-based research,” as Dr. Kain explained, “conducted over the last five decades” that helps educators make informed decisions about reading instruction.
Dr. Crave highlighted the neuroscience perspective, explaining how different regions of the brain – like the parietotemporal and occipital temporal regions – contribute to phonological and orthographic processing. He introduced the “Simple View of Reading,” which underscores that skilled reading requires both decoding and comprehension. “Without both components, you cannot have full reading comprehension,” Dr. Crave stated.
Dr. Allison took the conversation further by connecting the Science of Reading to broader Science of Learning principles. She described visiting classrooms where explicit instruction wasn’t just effective – it was engaging. “This type of teaching in reading is incredibly engaging and student-centered,” Dr. Allison noted. “It's so much fun to watch.”
Dr. Allison also emphasized the importance of collaboration and support for educators, especially when implementing complex reading strategies. “Find your people,” she advised. “Mentor teachers, literacy coaches, instructional specialists – these relationships can help you navigate the challenges of teaching reading.”
This panel illustrated not just what the Science of Reading is, but why it matters–and how educators at every level can implement it to ensure all students become confident, competent readers.
View a recording of the entire Science of Reading webinar presentation below.
