In this provocative and timely book, education writer Natalie Wexler argues that the best way to end the “reading wars” is to recognize that learning to read is inextricably linked to learning in general.
The science of reading movement has done much to improve instruction in foundational skills. But that hard-won progress may be reversed unless we also help children acquire the knowledge and vocabulary they need to understand complex text.
At the same time, the science of learning movement has introduced many educators to evidence-based teaching principles that can be effective for all students. In Beyond the Science of Reading, Wexler addresses a missing piece of the conversation: the ways in which typical reading comprehension and writing instruction conflict with those principles.
Wexler also offers practical solutions for bringing science-informed literacy instruction to scale and reveals why
• Teaching phonics isn’t enough to create proficient readers.
• Building knowledge is the key to unlocking reading comprehension.
• Writing instruction holds untapped potential to boost literacy and learning.
• Instruction grounded in cognitive science can narrow achievement gaps.
• Current curriculum evaluation methods may be steering schools wrong.
Beyond the Science of Reading charts a bold path forward with a new way to equip all children to read with fluency, understanding, and joy. This is an essential resource for educators, policymakers, parents, and anyone who cares about the future of literacy and equity in the United States.
Natalie Wexler is an education writer and the author of The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System–and How to Fix It. She is also the coauthor, with Judith C. Hochman, of The Writing Revolution 2.0: A Guide to Advancing Thinking Through Writing in All Subjects and Grades and host of “Reading Comprehension Revisited,” a six-episode series for The Knowledge Matters Podcast. More information is available at her website: www.nataliewexler.com.
