Foundational Belief

Science informs what and how we teach. The science of reading is an interdisciplinary body of research that is ever changing and self-correcting. The art of teaching reading is designing and matching instruction to each individual reader. Teaching reading is both a science and an art. 

Research has demonstrated that reading is a complex process. Proficient readers independently apply behaviors and skills of phonological awareness (phonemic awareness included), phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. In addition, proficient readers are motivated and engaged, are strategic, and deploy executive function skills to manage the reading process.  

All components of reading should be systematically and explicitly taught and practiced in a variety of texts. The goal of reading instruction is to develop skilled, independent readers.