Our journey through the history of literacy instruction in the United States has brought us to the very place we started: the current science of reading movement that has taken the education field by storm. In this concluding episode of A Novel

6: The Reading Wars

Jul 13th, 2023 31m 40s

In the 1990s, debates over literacy instruction reached a tipping point in the nation’s most populous state. Learn more about the reading crisis in California and the start of the so-called “Reading Wars” in this episode of A Novel Idea. Plus,

7: Let's Get Political

Jul 13th, 2023 41m 14s

Following the explosion of the Reading Wars in California, a push for nationwide literacy legislation swept the nation. In this episode of A Novel Idea we explore the consequences of this movement, including the influence of legislative efforts

5: What's the Deal With Whole Language?

Jul 6th, 2023 47m 11s

Whole language is one of the most talked about developments in literacy instruction in the past several decades. In this episode of A Novel Idea, we take a look at the history and founders of this popular teaching philosophy and examine its eff

4: Phonics Fights Back

Jun 29th, 2023 39m 59s

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the work of several influential researchers in the early days of the science of reading. These pioneers of literacy research paved the way for the development of evidence-based instruction of today and

3: The Rise of Picture Books

Jun 22nd, 2023 31m 47s

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go!” In this episode, find out how children’s picture books became a major battleground for debates about literacy instruction. Plus, hear i

2: Noah Webster Loves Phonics

Jun 15th, 2023 39m 34s

Hear ye, hear ye! In this episode, we travel all the way back to the 17th and 18th centuries to examine the Enlightenment-era roots of reading instruction as we know it. We will introduce several major players in the early days of literacy educ

1: The Science of Reading: Where Are We Now?

Jun 8th, 2023 36m 16s

What is the science of reading? And why is everyone in the literacy community talking about it?In this episode, we explore the current state of the science of reading movement. Along with our original reporting, you’ll hear from: Melissa McGuir

Trailer

Trailer: A Novel Idea: The History of the Science of Reading

May 24th, 2023 4m 1s

A brand new, 8-episode podcast series, brought to you by the Iowa Reading Research Center, explores the historical roots of today’s science of reading movement.Learn More“U.S. education achievement slides backwards,” Jill Barshay, The Hechinger

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