Three Questions and Responses About Foundational Reading Skills, Phonics, and the Science of Reading

An Email to a New Administrator

Below is my response to a fellow instructional leader, new to a district role. I thought you might also find this helpful in your position as a literacy leader. 

Take care, Matt

Hi,

Our mutual colleague shared with me your new position. Congratulations! From what I understand, it's a coveted position in an excellent school district. 

I understand you were already entertaining questions and concerns from faculty regarding foundational reading skills/phonics/Science of Reading. I am not an expert, but I can offer some information I have gathered while studying this topic as a principal in a similar situation.

Specifically, I thought I would share a few questions that came up for me, along with a response that is supported by recent research/summaries. (And apologies in advance if this information is redundant for you.)

Aren't foundational reading skills, phonics instruction, and the Science of Reading (SoR) all the same thing?

• No. Each construct is unique within literacy instruction. Foundatio…