Report: How kids are taught to read in Michigan varies widely

2024-07-18
Report: How kids are taught to read in Michigan varies widely

Unraveling the Complexities of Reading Instruction in Michigan's Classrooms

In the heart of the science of reading movement, the quality of reading lessons experienced by Michigan students varies significantly depending on the public school they attend, according to a recent report. The study, conducted by researchers at Michigan State University, sheds light on the diverse range of curricula and resources used in elementary reading instruction across the state, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges in ensuring effective literacy education for all students.

Empowering Educators, Elevating Literacy

Curriculum Conundrum: Navigating the Landscape of Reading Resources

The report from MSU's Education Policy Innovation Collaborative surveyed thousands of kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers, as well as 87 district superintendents, to gain insights into the curricula and materials used in Michigan classrooms. The researchers compared the top 10 most-used English Language Arts (ELA) curricula with ratings from evaluation organizations, such as EdReports, which assesses the alignment of instructional materials with research-based practices.The findings reveal a mixed picture. Of the 10 most commonly used ELA curricula, half were deemed to "meet expectations" by EdReports, indicating alignment with research-based practices. However, three did not fully meet expectations, and two were not rated by EdReports. Notably, one of the most popular choices among Michigan educators, the "Units of Study for Teaching Reading" curriculum authored by literacy professor Lucy Calkins, has recently faced criticism from parents and some education leaders as an ineffective approach to teaching children how to read.The diversity of materials used to teach reading in Michigan classrooms is striking, with the report identifying a staggering 444 different curriculum resources in use. This wide range underscores the challenge of ensuring consistent, high-quality reading instruction across the state.

Embracing the Science of Reading: Trends and Transformations

The researchers compared their findings from the 2022-23 school year to a previous survey conducted in the 2019-20 school year. The data suggests a positive shift, with a higher proportion of educators, 32%, using ELA curricula that met expectations according to EdReports, compared to 12.3% in 2019-20.Additionally, the report highlights several encouraging trends:- Districts serving higher proportions of low-income students are more likely to use curricula rated to meet expectations.- More teachers are receiving one-on-one coaching and other professional development in literacy.- Elementary teachers are more likely to supplement core lessons with additional resources to support writing, phonics understanding, and spelling.These findings suggest that the current national conversation around the science of reading, which encompasses the body of research on how children learn to read, may be driving positive changes in Michigan's classrooms. As Tanya Wright, one of the report's authors, explains, "It's also really important to remember that the science of reading is not just phonics, but also kids' knowledge development, supporting kids' comprehension, making sure that kids become fluent readers. It's more than just phonics, but I think we can see in this report attention to this national conversation."

Addressing the Dyslexia Dilemma: A Persistent Challenge

While the report focuses on reading instruction in general, it also touches on a longstanding issue in Michigan's education landscape: the lack of screening for dyslexia, a common learning disability that impacts word recognition.For years, lawmakers and literacy experts have advocated for legislation that would require educators to screen all students for signs of dyslexia. However, despite multiple attempts, these bills have yet to be passed. The current legislative session saw the Michigan Senate passing the package of dyslexia-related bills, but the House has not yet considered the legislation.Michigan's State Superintendent, Michael Rice, acknowledged the importance of addressing this issue, stating that the research published in the MSU report "reinforces that now is the time for the Michigan Legislature to pass K-12 literacy and dyslexia legislation." He emphasized that such legislation would "help to provide educators with the knowledge, training, and resources to teach students to read using research methods based on the science of reading."The persistent challenge of addressing dyslexia screening and intervention in Michigan's schools underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to improving reading instruction and ensuring that all students, regardless of their learning needs, have the opportunity to become proficient readers.

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