Chalk & Talk

How advocacy is changing reading instruction with Jamie Metsala (Ep 43)

10 snips
Mar 21, 2025
Guest
Jamie Metsala
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Jamie Metsala, a professor of education and an expert in reading acquisition, highlights the urgent need for evidence-based reading practices within education systems. She emphasizes the importance of universal screening and structured literacy, especially for students with reading disabilities. The conversation also delves into parent advocacy as a crucial factor in effecting systemic change, alongside the significant implications of the Ontario Human Rights Commission's Right to Read report. Jamie's insights on teacher training and the emotional effects of reading difficulties make this a must-listen for educators and parents alike.
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ANECDOTE

Parent Advocacy Initiates Inquiry

  • Parent advocacy groups brought the reading issues to the Ontario Human Rights Commission's attention.
  • This led to the Right to Read inquiry, showing the power of parent advocacy.
INSIGHT

Underestimated Reading Struggles

  • In 2019, at least 25% of Ontario Grade 3 students didn't meet provincial reading standards.
  • This percentage is likely underestimated due to assistive technology use during testing.
INSIGHT

Balanced Literacy's Flawed Approach

  • Balanced literacy, based on the "psycholinguistic guessing game" theory, deemphasizes decoding individual words.
  • It prioritizes using context, meaning, and grammar cues for reading.
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