Mike DeWine of Ohio set out to overhaul reading instruction in his state this year, it seemed like another sign that the decades-long debate over how to teach reading had come to a tipping point.
Ohio joined the growing list of states that require schools to follow the “science of reading” — an approach that emphasizes systematic, sound-it-out instruction, known as phonics, and the direct teaching of other skills, like vocabulary.
The movement, fueled by longstanding research, has sought to oust “balanced literacy,” which is meant to give teachers flexibility to meet students’ needs while promoting a love of reading.
It may include some phonics, but also other strategies, like prompting students to use context clues — like pictures — to discern words.
“The weight of the evidence is clear,” Mr. DeWine said in an interview this week.
Persons:
Mike DeWine, ”, “, Mr, DeWine
Organizations:
Ohio
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Ohio