The 5 Most Critical Issues in Literacy Education
Building Early Literacy Skills Through a Balanced Approach
the most critical topics for improving literacy outcomes in the next decade”. “When it comes to explicit and systematic phonics instruction, only 32% say it is among the most critical topics. And respondents
are split in how much attention the topic is given, with 31% saying we should be paying more attention to phonics instruction and
another 24% saying it already gets too much”. So it seems a balanced approach is important in educator’s eyes but some feel explicit and systematic phonics gets too much attention and some feel it does not get enough attention.
Determining Effective Instructional Strategies for Struggling Readers
Increasing Equity and Opportunity for All Learners
for student-selected independent reading during the school day is the best way to help all students grow into strong readers”.
Increasing Professional Learning and Development Opportunities for Practicing Educators
1. Using digital resources to support literacy instruction
2. Supporting social emotional learning
3. Writing instruction
4. Addressing issues of social justice
5. Teaching vocabulary
Providing Access to High-Quality, Diverse Books and Content
diverse stories and help
prevent stereotypes and
future generations [from
inheriting] bias.”
The Greatest Barrier to Equity in Literacy Education
teacher knowledge and effectiveness is the greatest barrier” to making progress to a place of equity.
and lifelong learning. From the perspective of
respondents, more work needs to be done
to… prepare teachers for
the rigorous challenges they will face in the
classroom ….”
How Important is Research?
on the role of research in
literacy instruction and say
they would like more support
in staying current on the latest
findings.” Can you understand that? Even as an ILA member myself it is tough to stay abreast with everything going on with literacy research, but half or more of educators said that staying current is an important responsibility of literacy educators; however, “Nearly half of all respondents—44%—say that staying abreast of the latest literacy research is an area
in which they need more support. When it comes to who should provide that assistance, several avenues are cited.”
Literacy is a Human Right
Professional Development Needs
What are the professional development needs of today’s literacy educators? Almost half of responded stated they want more PD on using digital resources to support
literacy instruction. HOW prescient is that? I am sure the answer is going to be much higher for next year.
Disconnects
Unsurprisingly to any of us who currently teaching, “addressing disconnects between school curriculum and students’ actual
needs in terms of literacy support and instruction is the No. 1 greatest
challenge in literacy reported by respondents”. Additional, supporting students in the areas of SEL and behavior is very important as is supporting students who are struggling in reading. Teachers at my school say they and students all feel overwhelmed and pulled in many directions. Which do you do first or prioritize: the new social studies standards, students who need social/emotional support, intervene with students who are below level in math, reading, and/or writing, or teach the zones of regulation??
That is the summary of what’s hot in literacy for 2020 according to the ILA research completed in 2019. Do you think it hit the nail on the head? Did survey respondents miss anything important?
