Are You Kidding Me? Robert Pondiscio on the Science of Reading
Feb 21, 2024
This week, Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former fifth-grade teacher, breaks down the science of reading and its significance for K-12 education. He shares insights from his own teaching experience with traditional literacy approaches, including the challenges in retraining teachers for new, evidence-based methods. Robert also discusses the importance of knowledge-building in reading, strategies for helping older students catch up, and the potential of AI to enhance literacy instruction. A thought-provoking discussion on education awaits!
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Science Of Reading Is A Start Not A Finish
- The science of reading is a meaningful evidence-based shift, but implementation is the hard part.
- Research must travel through policy, training, and classrooms without becoming distorted.
South Bronx Classroom Experience
- Robert describes teaching fifth grade in a South Bronx school steeped in "vibes-based" literacy and low scores.
- He ran a demonstration classroom using Teachers College methods that prioritized engagement over explicit skills.
Train On Curriculum, Not Cognitive Theory
- Adopt a proven curriculum and train teachers to implement it well instead of expecting deep cognitive science mastery.
- Focus professional development on practical curriculum execution, not making every teacher a scientist.
