Title: The School Leader’s Role in Reading Instruction

Author: Greg Taranto

Published: February 1, 2024

Source: [Original Article]

Summary:

In his article, Greg Taranto discusses the crucial role of school leaders in supporting effective reading instruction, particularly through the implementation of structured literacy.

Taranto begins by highlighting the limitations of the traditional balanced literacy approach and the need for evidence-based practices in addressing literacy challenges. He underscores the importance of structured literacy in equipping students with essential reading and writing skills, thereby breaking the cycle of illiteracy.

Key points discussed include:

1. Learning How to Read: Taranto emphasizes the significance of laying a strong foundation in phonemic awareness and phonological skills, which are essential for proficient reading and writing. He stresses the importance of structured literacy in explicitly teaching these skills and integrating knowledge-building components into literacy instruction.

2. Facilitating Implementation: School administrators play a vital role in facilitating the adoption of structured literacy by providing access to high-quality curriculum and training for teachers. Taranto suggests establishing a common literacy block in the master schedule and adopting professionally written curricula aligned with Scarborough’s Reading Rope to enhance student outcomes.

3. Reading to Learn: As students progress, Taranto advocates for a shift towards reading to learn, wherein text serves as a primary source for knowledge acquisition. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of reading, vocabulary development, and writing skills in structured literacy instruction.

4. Addressing Reading Disabilities: Taranto discusses the prevalence of dyslexia and the importance of early identification and intervention. He recommends implementing standardized screening processes starting in kindergarten to identify reading difficulties and provide appropriate support.

5. Setting Policy: School leaders must play an active role in setting policies that support evidence-based reading instruction. By providing guidance, training, and resources, administrators can empower teachers to effectively teach literacy and promote reading success for all students.

In conclusion, Taranto asserts that school administrators are instrumental in driving the adoption of structured literacy instruction. By embracing evidence-based practices and providing ongoing support, leaders can help break the cycle of illiteracy and ensure a brighter future for students.

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This summary was created with the assistance of AI software.