Archive - Minding the Gap

Will the Science of Reading Movement Become a Frankenstein's Monster?

An overwhelming focus on problems with phonics instruction and a shallow understanding of cognitive science have led to some unintended consequences.

Apr 14 •

March 2024

Is Lucy Calkins Really a Proponent of "Direct, Explicit Instruction"?

That's what she claims, but the lessons in her curriculum don't bear that out.

Mar 27 •

How to Make the Dream of Education Equity (or Most of It) a Reality

Studies on the effects of tutoring--by humans or computers--point to ways to improve regular classroom instruction.

Mar 18 •

February 2024

Literacy Experts Say Some EdReports Ratings Are Misleading

Reviewers are giving some bloated basal readers top marks while failing to put a seal of approval on at least one effective curriculum

Feb 27 •

More People Should Know About the Bookworms Literacy Curriculum

Studies show it boosts reading comprehension and fluency, and teachers say it boosts engagement too.

Feb 17 •

January 2024

Shaker Heights Offers a Lesson in the Limits of Integration

The failure of the suburb's efforts to achieve education equity has more to do with class differences than racial ones.

Jan 18 •

Could Debate Help Struggling Students Succeed?

Participating in high school debate significantly boosts reading scores and graduation rates, according to a study.

Jan 1 •

December 2023

To Counter Grade Inflation, We Need to Change the Way We Teach

Teaching methods conflict with what science has discovered about how people learn.

Dec 8, 2023 •

November 2023

Can "Classical Education" Help Parents Find the Schools They Want?

Because of its political and religious connotations, the label may put off more families than it attracts.

Nov 26, 2023 •

October 2023

Are Education Conferences Worthwhile?

They can be great for introducing people to new ideas, but on their own they're not enough to ensure schools change for the better.

Oct 24, 2023 •

Announcing a Study Guide for the Knowledge Matters Podcast

The first season is reaching lots of listeners, including schools and districts that are using it for professional development.

Oct 18, 2023 •

The Science of Reading Isn't Just "Phonics," But What Else Is It?

If we want all kids to become fully literate, we need to get more specific about "knowledge."

Oct 13, 2023 •

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