Melissa & Lori Love Literacy ® Ep. 146: Reading Comprehension is Not a Skill with Robert Pondiscio
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Apr 21, 2023 Robert Pondiscio, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, challenges the notion that reading comprehension is merely a skill. He argues that comprehension relies heavily on background knowledge and discusses how knowledgeable readers excel in understanding texts. He also contrasts 'mirror' curricula that reflect students' experiences with 'window' curricula that expand their knowledge horizons. Pondiscio stresses that while independent reading is valuable, it cannot replace structured, knowledge-building instruction, which is crucial for real-world readiness.
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Field-Driven Momentum In Reading Science
- The science of reading movement brings overdue, field-driven seriousness to literacy instruction.
- Robert Pondiscio is cautiously optimistic it can change classroom practice for the better.
Late-Career Teacher Realizes Training Gaps
- Pondiscio began teaching at 39 and chose older grades to avoid exposing his lack of training in early reading instruction.
- He later realized few teachers ever learn effective reading instruction in teacher prep programs.
Comprehension Is A Condition, Not A Skill
- Reading comprehension is not a teachable skill but a condition created by background knowledge.
- Good readers often succeed because of what they know, not only what they do.
