Reading Science Insights

Unraveling the Literacy Puzzle

Spring 2024

Welcome to Reading Science Insights: Unraveling the Literacy Puzzle. your gateway to local professional learning on the science of reading aligned to Governor DeWine's Read Ohio initiative. Our quarterly newsletter serves as an information hub on upcoming learning opportunities within the State Support Team 6, the latest news from the Department of Education and Work, inspiration aligned to literacy for teachers and leaders, and resources aligned to best practice literacy instruction. In future releases, we would like to address questions you have and highlight partner schools in their work aligned to the Science of Reading. We look forward to navigating this journey with you.

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📖Using Language Structure to Unlock Comprehension 📖

Within Scarborough's Reading Rope, language structure is broken into syntax and semantics.

Syntax

arrangement of words and phrases to create well formed sentences in a language

Semantics

meaning and interpretation of words

Together, syntax and semantics, can provide a framework for individuals to organize and understand spoken and written information. Language Structures can be addressed before, during, or after the reading of a text. Consider choosing activities around the current content or read aloud. In addition to deepening your understanding of the two components of language structure, the resources in the next section will provide specific activities that can be utilized in the classroom.

🔊📚🖥️ Resources to Support Your Learning 🖥️📚🔊

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Science of Reading: The Podcast: Season 3 Episode 10

Deconstructing the Rope: Language Structures with Kate Cain

In this episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert interviews Kate Cain, professor of language and literacy at Lancaster University as she explores language structures and explains its connections across reading comprehension in literacy development. I appreciate the way she breaks down the difference between semantics and syntax providing clarification and a deeper understanding for educators.

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What Teachers Need to Know about Sentence Comprehension. This Timothy Shanahan blog post reposted on Reading Rockets provides research sentence-level comprehension and advice for implementing practices in the classroom. Be sure to click on the embedded links for more information and specific practices.

Ohio Department of Education and Work Initiatives Direct Links

Read Ohio

"Science of reading" means an interdisciplinary body of scientific evidence that: Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently from early childhood through adolescence. Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing. Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers.

education.ohio.gov

Professional Development in the Science of Reading

Sign up to receive updates regarding professional development in the science of reading. Under Section 265.330(A)(2) of House Bill 33 of the 135th General Assembly, districts and schools shall require all teachers and administrators to complete a course provided by the Department not later than June 30, 2025, except that any teacher or administrator who has previously completed similar training, as determined by the Department, shall not be required to complete the course.

education.ohio.gov

High-Quality Instructional Materials in English Language Arts

If interested in receiving updates regarding high-quality instructional materials in English language arts, including the approved list of materials, please sign up for English Language Arts updates. The state operating budget (H.B. 33) set aside $64 million to subsidize the cost of high-quality instructional materials purchased by schools and districts aligned to the Science of Reading.

education.ohio.gov