The Lee Pesky Learning Center specializes in literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading (SoR). This research-based approach informs our Professional Development training, small-group multilingual Literacy Pods, and one-on-one Academic Intervention programs. But what exactly is the Science of Reading? Who developed it? Is it a curriculum? Let’s explore.
What is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading is a body of evidence explaining how people learn to read and write proficiently. According to The Reading League, it provides:
“A preponderance of evidence to inform how proficient reading and writing develop; why some individuals struggle; and how we can effectively assess, teach, and improve student outcomes through prevention and intervention.”
SoR is not a curriculum but an evidence-based framework that integrates key literacy components, including:
- Word recognition
- Decoding
- Phonological awareness
- Sight word recognition (for early readers)
As students advance, instruction expands to include:
- Language comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Background knowledge
- Language structures
- Literacy knowledge
- Verbal reasoning
At Lee Pesky Learning Center, we tailor instruction using assessment data, classroom teacher input, and direct student interactions.
Who Developed It?
The Science of Reading is informed by interdisciplinary research, drawing from fields such as:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Communication Sciences
- Developmental Psychology
- Education
- Implementation Science
- Linguistics
- Neuroscience
- School Psychology
Is it a Curriculum?
No. The Science of Reading is not a curriculum but a research-based approach to literacy instruction. It identifies effective strategies and helps educators adapt instruction to meet individual student needs. SoR can:
- Enhance an existing curriculum
- Guide the development of a structured literacy program with a defined scope and sequence
And It Works!
With systematic, explicit instruction, literacy skills improve rapidly:
- First-grade students participating in the Lee Pesky Literacy Pods in the 2024 Wood River Valley Summer Bridge program increased their English oral reading proficiency by 150%.
- Academic-year program participants improved their sight word vocabulary by 50%.
By using proven Science of Reading principles, we empower students to become confident, skilled readers.
